Worship is a Response

So many times when we consider the word “worship” in the context of most contemporary churches, music is at the forefront of our minds. However, are they one in the same? When teaching about worship, I many times use the analogy I heard some time ago from a seasoned teacher in the field of worship leadership. Here is the analogy.

Let’s use the example of an airplane and a runway. For any of us that have flown on an airplane, we wouldn’t be too pleased with our chosen airline, if we boarded the plane, taxied up and down the runway, and then returned to the gate from which we boarded the airplane. We would look at the flight attendants in disbelief and would demand a refund. Now let’s take this and relate it to worship. In the above example, the music is like a runway; worship is the atmosphere. Just like the runway is only a tool that enables the plane to fly, music is only a tool that allows us to “fly” into the atmosphere of God’s presence. True worship isn’t about music. Music is just a tool that assists us in enabling us to worship.

With this in mind, we must remember that music is a very emotional experience. When we hear music and the sounds, tones, and rhythms that go along with it, it evokes an emotional response in humans. We must remember that this emotional experience as well isn’t worship. Rick Warrens makes this clear when he says,

“Today many equate being emotionally moved by music as being moved by the Spirit, but these are not the same. Real worship happens when your spirit responds to God, not to some musical tone.”

So, what is worship if it isn’t just about music and isn’t just emotional? Here is the key: true worship requires a response. The music, and the emotions that come along with it, should stir in our spirits and cause us to respond.

How do we respond? And to whom or to what are we responding? The Bible is filled with instructions on how we should respond in worship. In the coming posts, we’ll explore those responses.

Preparing Yourself for Worship

As I was reading earlier in the week, I began to ponder the following question: “What am I doing to prepare myself for worship?” Some may look at that question and respond in dumbfounded bewilderment. Those with that response seem to think that corporate worship isn’t something for which we can prepare. Instead, we just come, and we worship. Although it is accurate that we can show up tomorrow morning at our churches and “simply worship,” the question is, “Is there more?”

King David obviously thought there was. He says in 2 Samuel 24:24 —

“But the king said to Araunah, “No. I’ve got to buy it from you for a good price; I’m not going to offer GOD, my God, sacrifices that are no sacrifice.” (MSG)

David wasn’t willing to sacrifice something that didn’t cost something. My challenge to all of us is this. As we think about joining our brothers and sisters in Christ tomorrow morning to worship together, let’s think about what we can bring. True worship requires sacrifice. In the Old Testament, that sacrifice was the blood of an animal. Today, true worship still requires sacrifice. However, a blood sacrifice for our worship has already been given through the gift of Jesus on the cross. However, God asks us to sacrifice something – something that costs us.

What is God asking you to sacrifice in preparation for worship today and in the days and weeks to come?

Worship at the Beach

I had to get away with my guitar today for a little worship at the beach.