Is my Worship Authentic?
Over the years there has been much discussion regarding worship. Unfortunately, much of the debate centers around the types of “appropriate” music for the church and tying this back to our worship or in some cases our worship differences. The purpose of worship is to glorify, praise and honor our Lord. Why should we worship the Lord you may ask? Because it was the Lord that provided us the only way to escape the bondage of sin through his finished work on the cross and in return through his resurrection assured us with eternal life by putting our trust in him.
It is apparent the subject or in some cases the debate of worship has gone on over some two thousand plus years now! When Jesus was having a conversation with a woman as she was drawing water in John 4:23-24, he said, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” First, note that Jesus is having a conversation with the woman and not just giving a presentation to the woman (we should try this!). While the woman had limited understanding of authentic worship, she initiates this subject with Jesus. The good news is Jesus welcomes the subject while at the same time provides a clear picture of what worship is and what it is not. He declares those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. Must makes it absolute, in other words there is no other way to please God in the area of worship except when our spirit is committed to bring honor to the Lord, Jesus Christ based on the truth of His Word…. now, that’s authentic worship!
Whether we are meditating in silence at home or collectively celebrating during a Sunday service or an old-fashioned revival, the Lord must be the object of our worship. This is what the Lord is seeking, and this is what is acceptable to the Lord. Through our worship we develop Christ like character because we are drawn closer to him. James 4:8 tells us to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
When we move beyond the debates of the different types of music or other things, it comes back to the question, “Is my worship authentic?” Only you can directly respond to that question. If it is not, we have another opportunity to offer the Lord authentic worship.
In His Care,
Roy Newman, Senior Pastor