We are a community of worship
What is Worship?
Worship is a response to God's grace, majesty and providence in our lives... it's the reaction to God when He shows Himself to us. Our worship is a response to what God has revealed Himself to be, not only in who He is, but also in what He has done, is doing, and will do in the future. We worship for God; we surrender the honour and the glory not to make us happy, but to make Him happy; He's called us to it. Our worship is one of the only things we give to God that isn't already His. We either choose to give it or not. Worship is a lifestyle: "From east to west, from dawn to dusk, keep lifting all your praises to God!" (Psalm 113:3, MSG)
Why do we Worship?
St. Augustine said, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in thee, O Lord." We are created to worship, whether that thing be God, or some idol that we create. God calls us to worship Him because it gives Him joy, but it also gives us joy. Worship is a way that we meet and speak with God; honouring Him for who He is and what's He's done, but also by being honest with Him. We can communicate thanksgiving, praise, and even complaint, sadness, and confusion to God through worship.
How do we Worship?
We worship by giving the glory that we've experienced in our lives to God. Worship is bringing our Creator pleasure in His creation because of the way we respond to Him. There are so many ways to do this: singing, standing, listening, praying, serving, sacrificing, studying, testifying, obeying, etc. This list is endless, but one thing we need to remember is that music isn't necessarily worship. Music has found a popular place in our churches and in our campus ministries. However, it isn't the only way we can honour God. There are no "worship songs" or "worship services": it's all just music. However, we can make our music worship by the condition of our heart, just as we can make any activity worship. By having accurate (biblical), authentic (honest), thoughtful (engaging), practical (realistic) and "spiritual and truthful" (John 4:24) worship. It isn't an experience; rather, it’s seeking God with everything we have.
