What if everything I thought was worship wasn’t really worship at all?
As a worship pastor, I spend a great deal of time each week preparing music for our worship services. In fact, music has been a big part of my entire life. I began my musical training at just 8 years old. (We won’t talk about how many years ago that was!) With music playing such a big part of my life, it has always been easy for me to worship with a song. Churches around the world include in their order of service a segment called Worship. During this time, we sing, and we play music. So, for many of us, we have decided that this is worship. While that may be technically true, what if there is so much more?
John 4:23-24 (NET) “But the time is coming, and now is here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in sprint and truth, for the Father seeks such people to be his worshipers. God is spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
One day not long ago as I read this passage, I felt the question arise in my spirit–What if worship isn’t a song? Could I still worship Him if I never sang another note, never played another song? As I began to search my heart, I realized that simply singing a song was never truly worship. It was the heart behind the song that created the act of devotion and adoration to God. Worship is a heart completely surrendered to the one we worship. Could it be that we can worship Him by opening doors, by embracing someone, or by loving the unloved? Could it be that our worship truly becomes spirit and truth when it comes from a heart and life thoroughly surrendered to our Heavenly Father?
Worship was never intended to be a performance, perfection, or striving for acceptance. It’s never been about deserving or earning. It’s a gift that’s freely given. Let me tell you, it’s only by the blood.
Father, help us to be the worshipers you are seeking. Help us to walk fully surrendered to you, not just with the songs we sing, but with the life we live. We ask you to help us to see the many ways we can worship you in spirit and in truth. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Leah Shinholser
Live Oak Church of God
Live Oak, Florida