Recap.
In some of our more recent posts, we have focused on different ways in which we can express our worship of God. While there are several definitions of worship, for this series, we defined it (Post 48, May 10, 2019), as “…spending time with God. Or…to be in intentional communion with Him.”
Using this simple, rather general metaphor, we’ve examined worship as both corporate and individual experience (Post 48), as prayer (Post 49), singing and “making a joyful noise” (Post 54), and as study (Post 57).
Comments.
The response to this series has been excellent, with several comments generated.
Kent S, in reply to last week’s post, expressed his opinion that, “…worship, in a general sense, is a time of praise (music), prayer (invocation and pastoral prayer with confession), proclamation (scripture and sermon) and sending forth (benediction)…”, evoking the more traditional and religiously formal definition.
Of course, he is not wrong. For many, this is the description of worship, and it is perfectly valid. All I’ve been advocating is the examination of worship in a broader context.
Another reader, Judy M, says, “… but anything done ‘for’” God can be worship. The work of the masons who built the magnificent cathedrals in Europe was a form of worship, 9 to 5 – or whatever their hours- every single day!” (For full disclosure, Judy is also one of the primary editors of Exploring Christianity, and her work on our behalf is greatly appreciated.)
The Point.
Their comments have brought home the point of this week’s post. That is, that if we’re maintaining the proper mindset, any activity (work, play, study, singing, etc.) can, in that moment, become an act of worship.
Remember the definition of worship we’ve elected to use for this series, “…spending time with God…to be in intentional communion with Him.” Scripture continually tells us that this is the state we should desire above all else. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So…whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” And Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Other scriptures also apply, but these make the point, that whatever we do should be done for the glory of God, and as an offering to Him.
In other words, we should always be in communion with Him and thus in worship of Him, regardless of what we are doing.
All the Time?
“Really, Richard?” you say. We’re supposed to be in communion with Him each moment of every day, for our entire lives?!?” “There is to be no time when we are alone or without Him?”
Yes, is the answer to these questions. God created us to be “…in Our (his) own image…” [Genesis 1:26-28] In other words, we were to be like the other residents of Heaven, continually in His presence and everlasting communion with Him. For it is only when we are in continual communion with Him that we are as He designed us to be.
God wants to share everything with us and to have us recognize His presence wherever, whenever, and whatever we are doing.
We were in that state before the Fall. It is the same posture as the Angels in Heaven maintain. And it was how Christ lived while here on Earth with us. It is the state that Christ came to make available to those of us who accept His Gift.
Continual communion and harmony with God is the state to which we are meant to aspire, but which none of us can attain on our own.
Jesus Saves.
Only through the Gift of Jesus Christ are our innately sinful natures reconciled with the purity of thought and existence that is necessary for us to enjoy this holiest of states. Only by Jesus’ Sacrifice are we made pure and sufficiently holy to occupy our place in God’s presence permanently.
Our whole being craves the intimacy to be found in profound communion with God. And when we aim every thought, action, word, and deed toward attaining that intimacy, we do as John Wesley said, and “move on toward perfection.”
Oh, we can try to be perfect, and a very few of us may occasionally approach the ideal for a short while. When we do, we can experience a small measure of what is to come. When we dedicate everything we do to Him and strive always to perceive God and his will, we can catch a glimpse of the peace and glory that awaits us in Heaven. Unfortunately, we are fallible and unable to sustain such a close communion for very long. Sin gets in our way and thwarts our best efforts and intentions. As Paul said, “The things I do not want to do, I do. And, the things I want to do, I do not do.” [Romans 7:15]
The Importance of Worship.
That is why worshipping God is so important. For only by and through worship can we attain, if only for a while, the type of communion and intimacy with Him that we desire and are created to enjoy.
The message is that we all should strive to make every thought, word, and action dedicated to God, and to try to use those opportunities to bring us closer to Him, not drive us further away. We should dedicate our lives to constant worship, so that we may enjoy, in the here and now, at least a small taste of the glory that awaits us in Heaven. We can worship God in all things and all ways. Let us dedicate our lives as living altars for the worship of and communion with Him.
Close.
Let’s close with a brief prayer. “Our most gracious and loving Heavenly Father. Hallowed be thy name. Please help us to see, hear, and sense Your presence as we worship You. Allow our worship, in whatever form, to be an offering to You and a petition that we be allowed to sense drawing closer to You.
These things we ask in Your Son’s name.
Amen.”
God’s Blessings on You All.
Richard
July 17, 2019
