We Worship What We Value Most

Worship. This is a word we do not think about much and therefore do not tend to have a grasp on its meaning and significance, but we live it out every day. Unfortunately, our object of worship is earthly. However, I like the following definition: “Worship. The act of adoring and praising God, that is, ascribing worth to God as the one who deserves homage and service”[1] This definition reveals who the object of our worship should be. Let’s break that definition down to discover the meaning and significance of worship.

Worship is the act of adoring and praising God, that is, ascribing worth to God. Worship runs throughout the Scriptures. Job, the oldest book in the Bible, records, “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped (Job 1:20). The Pentateuch contains, “He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen (Deut 10:21). The Historical division includes, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before Him! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness” (1 Chr 16:29).

The division of Poetry contains the Psalms which comprise many references to worship such as, “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” (Psa 95:6). Furthermore, the Prophets include many references to worship like Isaiah 6:3, “And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!’”

The theme of worship continues in the Gospels, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him” (John 4:23). Likewise, the Epistles contain the theme of worship, “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Tim 1:17).

The last book in the Bible, Revelation, pictures worship as an eternal act. For example, in Revelation 7:12, “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Since, worship is a major theme in heaven, it should be a major theme in our life here on earth. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus prays, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10). Because God’s will in heaven is worship, worship should be carried out here on earth. The fact that the worship of God appears throughout Scripture, with His will being worship, indicates the high priority I should place on worship here on earth.

As sinful humans, we wrongly choose who/what the object of our worship should be. Often, we worship other people or things, rather than God. Our souls worship what we value most. Periodically, evaluation of who/what we treasure, value, spend extraordinary time on, spend exuberant money on, or depend on can reveal disguised objects of worship. Perhaps an abnormal focus on premium comfort, abundant knowledge, or maintaining a reputation leaves our other priorities neglected. These things can subtly shift our focus off worshipping God. Who/What would God say receives your and my worship? If it is not Him, we should repent and ask Him to teach us how to worship Him throughout our day.

In the previously mentioned definition of worship, we should worship God because He deserves it. Praising God for who He is constitutes worshipping Him. The following sentences suggest a few ideas to put worship of God in our lives. Using the attributes of God in our prayers is a great place to start. Also, utilizing the words in the Psalms, the prayers in the Bible, and the worship in Revelation can be beneficial. It pleases God to hear the heartfelt use of His Word. Furthermore, give credit to the Creator for His marvelous work in nature. Acknowledge His thoughts and ways are higher than yours (Isa 55:8-9) and rest in this truth amongst unknowns. Submit and embrace what He has allowed to happen in your life. Also, worship includes noticing what God is doing and thanking Him for it. Pay attention, He is doing many things for you for which to be grateful. Blessing God (speaking well of Him) to myself and others is another way to worship Him.  

Moreover, worship of God includes service to Him as indicated in Romans 12:1, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” As ambassadors in the service of God (2 Cor 5:20), we should be telling others about Him. Furthermore, Revelation 4:10, the elders, “cast their crowns before the throne” demonstrate giving back what God has given to them. 1 Peter 4:10 succinctly instructs, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace”. Using what God has given us (spiritual gifts, money, time, resources) is a definite way to serve Him.

You fill in the blanks: If I truly view God as my object of worship, I would __________. Or, if serving God is a true priority in my life, I would change__________.     

Hopefully, we can go forward living a life that worships God here on earth. Remember, “Worship. The act of adoring and praising God, that is, ascribing worth to God as the one who deserves homage and service.”

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Image from “Praise and Worship,” clipground.com, accessed November 18, 2024, https://clipground.com/images/praise-and-worship-clipart-graphics-5.jpg.

[1] Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki, and Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999), 122.