In our bible class in Spanish last night, I taught on the subject of true worship. I sense that to most church goers, worship only means singing hymns and praises to God in church. Perhaps that is one reason why the Sunday morning service in most churches is referred to as the “worship service.” Romans 12:1 in the King James version says: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” but the NIV ends it by saying: “This is your true and proper worship.” Since service and worship are synonymous, our true and proper worship, therefore, is to serve God with all our heart, soul, and strength and is not limited only to singing and praising God in church.
Anything we can do to advance the cause of the gospel, when it comes from the heart, is a form of worship. The truth is that many Christians, ministers included, can do great things for God and still not do it with all their heart. I know for a fact that many people have come to Christ by way of folks who were not totally committed to Him. These now have the same benefits any child of God has, yet they probably were not aware at first that those who brought them to Him, didn’t really love them or care that much for the things of God. It should not surprise us that not all who serve the Lord do it out of love. God will use people like these to accomplish His plan but He will not be pleased with their service. Whether it is at a restaurant, store, or any other place, how do you feel when the person serving you gives you the impression that he or she is doing you a favor, and not the other way around? Do you like that? Why should God? We consequently continue to patronize places where we feel appreciated and where the folks attending to us seem to genuinely care about us. It is the same in church. People will continue to attend any church where they feel loved and appreciated. It should be obvious to all that any church which is like that is preaching and teaching the truth.
I pray I did not leave you with the impression that I am against praising and singing to God in church. No, no, a thousand times, no! Where, better than in church, can God’s children find a place where they can express their love and gratitude to God, where everybody is in one accord and spirit? Please don’t miss out on any opportunity to serve and worship God, including praising and singing to Him!
Memory verse for the week: (Matthew 14:27) “But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
