what is worship?

A very simple definition that Louie Giglio offers in his book, The Air I Breathe: Worship As A Way Of Life says, “Worship is our response to what we value most.” Giglio expands this definition throughout the book, but I would agree that, bottom-line, worship is our response to what we value most. Whatever we value most will receive most of our time and attention. And, as Christians, I would say that most of the things we value are good things…jobs, spouses, hobbies, etc. However, when we place anything or anyone above God, there’s a problem. God wants all of our worship, not just part of it.

1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us that whatever we do, we must do it (all) for the glory of God. All is everything. So, every part of my life should give glory to God. God wants and deserves more than just the hour or so I give Him on Sunday. He wants and deserves my worship in everything I do every day of the week, every minute of the day. Does that mean I have to go around singing “worship songs” all the time. Of course not. Worship is much more than songs. (More on that later.)

I can give glory to God with my attitude, finances, thoughts, desires, choices I make, relationships, etc. Not to mention spending time with Him in His Word and in prayer. I can also not give glory to God with all of those things. The choice is up to me. So, as I continue to seek to grow in my relationship with Christ, I want to do everything I can to worship Him in every area of my life.

one of those sundays

It’s Sunday morning. You’re getting ready for church and you cut yourself shaving, or your hair just won’t do right.  When you go to get dressed, you realize the clothes you planned to wear the night before are actually still at the dry cleaners. You get in the car and remember that you left the coffee maker on.  So, you run back inside to check it and now you’re late.  You have a disagreement with your wife or husband that continues all the way to the church, and now you’re at the church and it’s time to get ready to lead worship.

Ever have one of those Sundays?  We all have.  Sometimes we show up to church with a rotten attitude.  We may be mad or hurt about something.  We may have even done, said, or thought something we know we shouldn’t have.  In these times, we feel unworthy to lead people in worship.  Those kinds of days happen.  But, for those of us who serve in ministry, when they come along on a Sunday, they just seem to be a bit worse.  Why is that?

I think the enemy likes to throw us off; get our minds off of what we’re supposed to be focused on.  In the middle of all of this, it’s important for us to remember that we’re human.  Yes, God created us in His image, but He also created us with a human nature.  We’re not in Heaven yet!  That doesn’t give us a “get out of jail free card,” but it does put things in perspective.

The enemy would like for us to go around guilt-ridden when these days happen, especially on Sunday right before we’re supposed to stand on stage and lead God’s people in worship.  It’s important for us to stay in communion with God and to keep a close watch on our minds, emotions, and actions.  We need to constantly search our hearts and submit anything that isn’t right to The Father and ask for His forgiveness. He understands our weaknesses.  He’s not surprised when we make a mistake or when our attitude is not quite what it should be.  The important thing is for us to realize it and correct it.  Even if it’s five minutes before worship begins.  That’s better than not correcting it at all and not being in the place we should be spiritually.

So, the next time you have “one of those Sundays,” don’t get hung up on it. Take a minute and ask God to set things right. Then, move forward in the joy of the Lord.