“Worship” is a very confused word. Most often when we hear it, it is meant to communicate something about singing religious music or attending a religious event in a religious location. So now that I’ve irritated you by using the “R” word 3 times in one sentence, let me assert that I do not believe the word “worship” refers to that which we would consider “religious.”
Worship, in my opinion, is speaking or acting in a way that puts Jesus first, Others second, and You last. When you do this, you’re acting the way Jesus would act if He were You….no matter where you are. THIS is the heart of worship, and this weekend I had the pleasure of working my butt off with a few dozen volunteers to rebuild a terribly damaged roof for a 91-year old low-income widow.
Two of my favorite verses about this:
“I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27)
I am certainly supportive of gathering with other followers of Jesus to worship….BUT, how would the world be impacted if Christians were focused on worshiping God primarily outside of religious places and events?
