Genuine
Worship
Mark
12:30
John 4:1-24
Worship is a 'hotspot' among many Christians today and while it can be uplifting and draw us closer to God and to each other, it can also be divisive and distract us away from God. Satan is the master of deceit and division who can use worship as an avenue to keep us from God's best. Hebrews 12:28 tells us to worship God in a way that will please him. God accepts our worship based on the truth of Scripture, and our response to God's spirit working within us not based on emotions and preferences. (John 4:22)
Too often our biggest distraction in worship is our own self because of our personal tastes, interests and concern of what others may be thinking. God uniquely designed each of us with various tastes, desires and means of expression. In other words, "one size does not fit all" when it comes to expressing love, devotion, and worship to our Lord. Arguments on the appropriate way to worship are typically based on our background, tastes, and personality.
Gary Thomas describes nine ways people draw near to God in his book, Sacred Pathways.Naturalists are inspired to worship God in natural, outdoor settings.
Sensates are drawn to God with their senses and like worship services that involve all 5 senses not just their eyes and ears.
Traditionalists worship best through unchanging structures, symbols, rituals and liturgies.
Ascetics need solitude and simplicity.
Activists show their love to God by confronting evil, battling injustices, and making the world a better place.
Caregivers worship God by loving others, and meeting people's needs.
Enthusiasts draw near to God through celebration.
Contemplatives love God through adoration.
Intellectuals show their love to God by studying with their minds.Which of these best express how you worship God?
Many different forms of worship are mentioned in God's Word; among them are: confessing, testifying (Hebrews 13:15) singing (Psalm 7:17), shouting (Ezra 3:11), standing (Nehemiah 8:5-6), kneeling, dancing, playing various musical instruments (Psalms 149:3, Psalm 150:3), making a joyful noise (Psalm 100:1), and raising hands (Nehemiah 8:6). The best form is the method that best represents your love for the Lord and is genuinely from your heart.
In John 4 the Samaritan woman attempted to debate Jesus on the best time, place, and style for worship. Jesus replied that where and how you worship are not as important as why and how much of yourself you give in worship to God. In verse 22 Jesus tells us that "true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him".Is your worship genuinely focusing on God?
Is there a difference in your public worship and your private worship?
Do you have private worship or does it occur only once a week at church?Are you critical of someone who worships differently from you?
Worship is a priority. Style and method are not as important as giving all your heart, soul, mind and strength. (Mark 12:30)
