To define something is to understand it. Many things called worship aren’t, and many things that don’t seem worshipful are. So, what is worship? What is this activity we are commanded, advised, cajoled, and encouraged to do?
First of all, worship is not a strange or unusual activity. All people of all stripes worship something or someone. People worship objects, idols, possessions, people, teams, ideas, passions, politics, money, power, self, and fame. In their worship, they lift up their object of worship, they proclaim its glory, and they declare its wonder. Resources, time, thought, priority, and attention are given to the object. In short, we already know what worship is.
The difference, of course, is who we worship. As followers of Christ, we recognize that only one is worthy of worship. “Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11, CSB) From the psalmist, “Lord, there is no one like you among the gods, and there are no works like yours. All the nations you have made will come and bow down before you, Lord, and will honor your name. For you are great and perform wonders; you alone are God.” (Psalm 86:8–10, CSB) Worship belongs to God and God alone.
We have one object of worship, but many avenues to express worship. In the modern era, worship is most often connected with singing. Music and singing allow us to express our deep gratitude and awe for God. But that is only one avenue of worship. Where we choose to spend our resources, time, thought, priority, and attention are also avenues of worship. In short, while worship is magnified in our weekly gatherings, our whole life is to be a love song for our Savior.
Worship is glorifying God in all things. It is expressions of awe and gratitude. Worship is prioritizing Him in everything we do – every choice, every thought, every word, every deed. This is our primary purpose, our chief end and desire. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, CSB)
Does that mean we can skip gathering together and just do our own thing? Of course not. “Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:16–17, CSB) It’s kind of hard to teach and encourage one another in a fishing boat or on a golf course. Those are not random examples. I’ve known folks who have routinely chosen those leisure activities while saying, “I’ll worship God on the golf course.”
Psalms 34 sums it up. “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34:1–3, CSB) This is worship. There is a Latin phrase that encapsulates this whole life view of worship. Soli Deo Gloria – Glory to God alone. I will bless the Lord at all times and in all that I am.
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