"What Are We Missing?"

The worship of the Almighty God is a grace-given privilege. Many do not see that or even know that. To some, worship is a duty expected. I had this statement made to me recently while speaking at one of my engagements: "Do you think I would be here if I didn't have to?" The problem with this statement was the fellow was sincere. He felt obligated to be there. What was worse, he was one of the spiritual leaders in the congregation. It made me wonder what the spiritual pulse of the congregation was?

What is worship? It literally means "to kiss toward, to do reverence to." Worship is always a response of reverence. Failure to revere God will lead one down a path of condemnation and self deception. You can see it in the beginning with Cain (Gen. 4). His offering, an outpouring of his worship, was not regarded by God and it made Cain angry. Nadab and Abihu thought the fire they brought into the presence of the Lord as they led in worship was good enough. Fire is fire in their mind and without any regard or reverence toward God, it cost them their lives (Lev. 10). Jehovah God sounded forth His word: "By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored." (Lev. 10:3) King Saul thought he would take upon himself to offer his own worship, his personal choice and it cost him everything (I Sam. 13). The Pharisees worshiped God on a regular basis and Jesus condemned them. They had no heart and it was nothing more than man-made meaningless words and teachings (Matt. 15).

I have heard people say they are bored with worship, it is mundane or they get nothing from it. Why are people so empty and bored? What are we missing? Worship is not about us, the worshipers! Worship is about God!! Worship is not about what "moves" us or motivates us. True worship of the heart is God centered, God directed and God revered! Worship is our expression of love, devotion and glorification of God. It expresses how we feel about God and our worship shows our insight and knowledge of God. Worship IS NOT to arouse in us experiences like a ballgame or entertain us like some theatrical production. Worship is God directed to please Him and Him alone! Worship is an awe and reverence shown toward His name and power. When true reverence, heart desired worship takes place, it will move your heart to love Him more and honor His name. Worship of God is never orchestrated by man's ideas or music! I realize there will be some who will not like me saying that but we need to do some serious study from God's word what is true worship. Worship is an honoring the greatness and majesty of God's love despite our sinfulness.

Worship is not about receiving! It is about giving. "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of the lips that give thanks to His name. (Heb. 13:15) Notice worship is spoken as a sacrifice. When people are bored or gain little, it reveals their sacrifice! They have nothing to offer from the heart and their sacrifice is rejected.

Worship is completely God centered. He is the audience, not us! God examines our hearts and looking at the sacrifice we offer. Bottom line for us: what does the death of Jesus really mean? Our worship is the indicator! What are we missing?