John 4:23 – 24 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Worship is connected to our identity and and design. It is relational in that God is not looking for worship, but the worshipper. If you feel disconnected with God, and have no sense of identity or purpose, it’s time to check your worship. For some, there’s a deeper need to understand the term. They believe worship consists of going to church, singing some songs and listening to the pastor talk about God. In reality, that plays a minute part of worship, but it doesn’t really scratch the surface.
Worship is a lifestyle centered on God, giving Him glory and adoration for Who He. There’s an intentionality behind it. For example, doing your job with excellence as unto the Lord is an act of worship. As it pertains to music, which a good many equate it to, worship acknowledges and blesses God for Who He is, whereas praise acknowledges and blesses Him for His mighty acts. Thanksgiving gives Him thanks for what He haas done in our lives. They are connected. As an act of worship, we give God praise and thanksgiving because we acknowledge where the blessings come from.
Again, worship goes beyond the songs we sing. It’s the way we treat others, knowing that we represent Him. Understanding every human being is His creation, therefore, we treat everyone well. Knowing He is our Father leads us to want to bless our brothers and sisters because it is well pleasing to Him. As an act of worship, we acknowledge Him as our God in the way we do life. It’s an honorable way to live.
Worship requires the Holy Spirit to guide our heart, soul and mind into truth. Without the Spirit, our flesh will lead us into self-gratification. We mortify the deeds of the flesh by walking in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Worship helps us realize the victory Jesus Christ already won for us. When we focus on worshipping Him, we will not be fighting off the rabid pet sins in our life. They will be dead to us. The Holy Spirit connects us to the heart of the Father and His will for our life. The more connected we are to God, the more like Him we will be. Worship helps us become the people He intended us to be. 1Corinthians 2:11-12 For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
When people fail to worship God, they lack power for living and lose sight of their identity. They lack joy, for in His presence of fullness of joy. When you are unaware of His presence and fail to acknowledge Him as God, joy will not be present. John 15:10-11 If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love; even as I have kept my Father’ commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken to you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. If you lack joy, stop and ask God to show you what you need to see. Offer up praise and thanksgiving no matter where you are, and watch your life transform.
The Perfect Faith Podcast: “Worship and Identity”
The Art of Blessing
