The Core of Your Worship

This past Sunday morning, Trust Quartet sang at a church that reminded me of my younger days growing up in southern Georgia. It was in a rural area of central Florida and although many would consider it a small, country church, the Lord met with us in a very special way.

I don't know how many people were crammed in that auditorium, but there wasn't many more people who would have come in and found a seat. Those who were there laughed a little, cried a little, clapped a little ~ but worshipped a lot! There were even a few shouts across the room.

People have long worshipped in different ways. Some believe that unless a preacher hacks his way up and down the aisles of a church, true worship has not taken place. Some believe that worship is more dignified and quiet, reflecting upon God's holiness and purity. Still others are not comfortable expressing worship unless there is hands-raising, eyes heavenward singing of choruses while following words on a screen at the front of the building. The style of worship is as much cultural as it is biblical. The core of worship, however, is at the heart of the individual.

The woman at the well in John 4 was challenged by Christ to worship sincerely in spirit and truth. It would be impossible to convince me that the leper who was healed didn't worship as he returned to thank Jesus. Likewise, when Abraham and Isaac went to Mt. Moriah to sacrifice, both worshipped as never before when they heard the ram that was caught in the thicket.

God does not demand our worship. It would cease to be worship if it were the result of a demand. He does, however, desire our worship. In an evaulation of your worship, what word could describe your worship? Is your worship defined by a style or your heart? Those who worship HIM must worship HIM in spirit and truth.