What exactly does it mean when we use the word worship? Is it simply attending a Sunday service at church, singing some songs, praying, hearing a preacher? I think worship is something far greater than that. Worship is connecting with God in a way that changes us.
Over the years there have been multiple attempts which have tried to define worship. My favorite is by William Temple, who states, “worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by His holiness; the nourishment of mind with His truth; the purifying of imagination by His beauty; the opening of the heart to His love; the surrender of will to His purpose -- and all of this gathered up in adoration, the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable and therefore the chief remedy for that self-centeredness which is our original sin and the source of all actual sin.”
What I love about this definition is that it is so comprehensive. It addresses worship as that which changes our mind, will, and emotions. The ultimate outcome of worship is a life submitted to the will of God which lives out His principles wholeheartedly everyday.
Worship is not simply what we do on Sunday (and hopefully every day) but ultimately shapes how we live. Basically, worship is an encounter with God. You cannot meet God and not come away changed. If we gather together but don’t encounter God then we haven’t worshipped but only met with one another.
Make it your goal to worship everyday. Encounter God in His word, in nature, and in our culture. After you meet with Him go out and demonstrate God’s presence for the people in your sphere of influence.
