Table of Contents
A Brief Explanation of Praise and Worship
Without humility, there is no worship, because worship is an act of humility. By definition it means to prostrate or bow oneself in homage, and includes adoration. It is an act of the highest respect and reverence, in which one bows down before a Superior. This movement includes touching the forehead to the ground or feet. In essence, worshipping God acknowledges Who He is.
Praise literally means to applause and commendation. It acknowledges the works of God, and incorporates thanksgiving for what He has done or does for us. It includes singing, but it’s not limited to it.
Praise in not the fast songs we sing in church, and worship is not by definition, the slow ones, as some consider praise and worship. Although, worship may include both. Worship is a life lived with humility that seeks glorify God in every aspect of life. How or the way you do things in every facet of life can be an act of worship to God. In reference to praise, it is a sacrifice of thanksgiving that glorifies God.
Psalm 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me (or He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me): and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.
Whom are We Trying to Please?
What is a determining factor of whether it’s a life worship or vanity? The deciding factor may be for whom one lives. The one who lives for himself, does everything for himself, no matter how altruistic it may appear. If you do something “in the Name of the Lord” that is actually intended please the flesh, it’s empty. It’s all for nothing. For instance, if I only sing praise songs that please me, it’s not really for Him. Singing praises will certainly have an effect on us; but remember, true praise is designed to bless Him. It is not designed to please us; and yet joy will surely be found in true praise.
Psalm 22:3 But Thou art holy, O Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Psalm 16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Is doing things out of tradition pure worship? There are traditions people do out of pure devotion to God. They are seeking to bless Him. Yet for some, it’s all about the tradition itself. Generally, traditions of men are about pleasing man. They make the Word of God of no affect (see Matthew 15:1-10; Mark 7:1-13).
Traditions can be based on comfort. They’re done out habit, which makes people comfortable. They like knowing what to expect, and the feeling of control. However, it provides little room for change, and limits Holy Spirit from doing anything new with them.
John 4:23-24 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
Worship is Mindful
There is an intentionality behind worship, especially when it’s to be done in spirit and truth. There’s an attitude behind it that says, “I will glorify God in everything I do. I am more interested in Him, His truth as He sees it, and His will for me. I will seek His face, and repent should I fail to be less than Christ-like. By His grace, in the power of Holy Spirit, I will obey Him. Because He is holy, I will be holy, and I will be holy for Him. I will thank Him in everything, confess Him before all. In humility, I will bow before Him.”
Psalm 52:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.
