Worship 101
All too often, we consume ourselves with the "hows" of worship, rather than focusing on God's concern-the "whys."
by Charles Stanley
What is worship to you? Many of us have different styles of worshiping God, whether it's traditional or contemporary, conservative or charismatic, public or private. Regardless of what style we use to worship, God knows our heart.
Nothing escapes the loving and sovereign eye of the Lord. One day, sitting in the temple, Jesus watched how people passed by the money box and put coins in the treasury. The rich people dumped in large amounts, of course, which made quite a scene. Then a poor widow moved forward and put in what amounted to one cent. "Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, 'Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on" (Mark 12:43-44).
Can you see what is important to the Lord? That's right-it is always the heart of the worshiper. Whether it is praising, giving thanks, singing, praying, or giving financially, the true issue is one of motivation. As you prepare yourself to worship God and approach Him in spirit and in truth, (John 4:24) you begin to feel an excitement.
Bringing glory to God is one of the primary sources of refreshment of your own spirit; that's the way God designed it. Fulfilling your purpose of worshiping Him is satisfying to your very being, and it helps you build intimacy in your relationship with Him.
All too often, we consume ourselves with the "hows" of worship, rather than focusing on God's concern-the "whys." If you are experiencing a rut in your Christian walk, it may be time to consider your motivation for worship.
Are you simply going through the routine, out to seek praise and recognition, or are you worshiping out of a motivation to glorify God?
Take some time today to consider why you worship, and ask God to reveal anything that may be a hindrance in your walk with Him.
Charles F. Stanley has been the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist
Church of Atlanta since 1971, and is the founder of In Touch Ministries (www.intouch.org), a radio and television
ministry. The author of over 45 books, Dr. Stanley demonstrates a keen awareness of people’s needs by providing practical
biblical truths for everyday life.
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