Theology of Worship

Christian Worship can be defined as a responsive act of sacrifice, shown with gratitude and directed towards God in love. An act of worship can be enacted by a single person, or corporately by a group of people. I believe that one important thing to keep in mind when discussing worship is that it is always initiated by God. Take a look at the two verses listed below:

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:36-40)

“We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19)

In Matthew 22, Jesus tells us that all of the teachings of the law and the prophets are built upon the two principles of loving God and loving others. In 1 John chapter 4, John writes on the topic of love, and explains that all of the love that we show should be a reflection of the love that the Father has bestowed upon us. Therefore, the dedication of our time and energy to God in worship is not only an act of obedience in following the greatest commandment, but also the continuation of a process that God himself started. 

Our relationship with God is built upon a foundation of sacrifice. Whether we worship him through prayer, fasting, thanksgiving, serving, meditation, or another medium, there is always something that we are giving up. This could be our time, wealth, energy, or any other number of things, but we are willing to do this because he has already shown us the greatest love.

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Authenticity, however, is not measured simply by the act of sacrifice. In the story of Cain and Abel, we observe two brothers. One of them brings an offering to God that is a major sacrifice, while the other brings an offering that he has no qualms about giving up.

“and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.” 

(Genesis 4:4-5)

Through this story, we can clearly see that God values total dedication in our worship. Just as he was willing to lay it all on the line to provide a perfect sacrifice for the atonement of our sins, he asks that we also bring him our very best. Worship should also be authentic in that we should not come to bring praise to God outwardly while we are still wrestling inwardly with interpersonal problems. Jesus made this clear in the sermon on the mount when he said the following:

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)

As a person who has been called by God into the field of Worship Ministry, I have had a few different views on worship through the years. When I was a kid, like most young or new Christians, I associated worship heavily with singing and music. I would even say that I had a limited definition of worship that kept it within this category. This is a common mistake to make, as we often refer to times of worship through music as simply “worship,” or place the title of “Worship Leader” on any person who is given the responsibility of handling the music at a church. Now, I believe that authentic Christian worship comes in many forms, and that there are even some people who primarily worship using methods that are outside of musical expression. That being said, I do hold passages such as Psalm 33:1-3 and Psalm 96:1-4 in high regard.

“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”

(Psalm 33:1-3)

“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.”

(Psalm 96:1)

We are commanded to sing, and I believe that music can be a great vessel of hope for many people. God is glorified when we use the tool of music to honor him.

Lastly, I would like to make a final statement about our purpose. I believe that we have two purposes here on Earth, which every single one of us is called to fulfill to the best of our ability. The first of these is the Great Commission, to spread the good news to all people of the salvation that has been freely offered to them and make disciples out of them. The second of these is to worship the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Both of these are extremely important, but the latter precedes the former. When we follow his command to fulfill the great commission, we are displaying our love for him through our actions. This can be seen clearly in Matthew 22:37, when Jesus answered the Pharisee’s question about the greatest commandment. Our obedience should always come from a place of love. To worship him willingly and with an open heart is our ultimate reason for existence, and it is where we find true long term fulfillment.

“Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.” (John 14:23-24a)