MAX ON LIFE

88. What is the purpose of worship? It doesn't seem that God would need us to sing to him.

The word worship conjures up many thoughts in many minds, not all of which are accurate or healthy. When you think of worship, what do you think of?

Outdated songs poorly sung? Dramatic prayers egotistically offered?

Irrelevant sermons carelessly delivered? Meager offerings grudgingly given?

Near-empty auditoriums and meaningless rituals?

What is worship?

The definition is in the book of Psalms:

"Honor the Lord, you heavenly beings;

honor the Lord for his glory and strength.

Honor the Lord for the glory of this name.

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness." (29:1-2)

The essence of worship is simply this: giving God the honor he deserves. To worship is to applaud the greatness of God.

The ancestry of the English word for worship reflects this understanding. This term comes from the Anglo-Saxon word worthscipe, which was modified to worthshipand finally to worship. Worship means "to attribute worth" to someone or something.

In the context of Scripture, worship is both an attitude and an action. A view of the heart and an event in life.

"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col 3:17)

This is worship as a lifestyle. Every deed and duty done in such a way that God receives credit and applause. Worship begins as an attitude. But worship deepens as an action.

The action of worship was on the mind of the psalmist when he wrote, "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs" (Ps 100:2).

And oh how we need it! We come to worship so bent out of shape. So sold on ourselves that we think someone died and made us king. Or so down on ourselves that we think everyone died and just left us.

We worship because we need it. But this is the secondary reason.

The main reason we worship has nothing to do with us; it has everything to do with God. He deserves to receive it!

By: Max Lucado