Worship is Fundamental for the Church
We can often downplay the importance of both private and public worship. But, to have an honest conversation about worship in general, we must understand worship is more than a song. True worship is seen by how we conduct our affairs on earth as God’s image bearers. We could conclude that a life wholly and sacrificially lived for God is actual worship.
Paul writes to the believers in Rome, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable [rational] service.” (Romans 12:1) This Greek word for service is λατρεία [latreia] and is also understood as the worship of God, encouraging us to see our service of God as acts of worship that venerate our Savior. It also shows that our worship is just and proper service unto God.
Singing out and lifting our hands is not just church participation; it is sacrificial public service of God and part of our witness to the unbeliever. The Psalmist writes, “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96:1–2)
Worship is vital for a healthy and thriving church community. But, it should not be done in the work of our flesh. Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24). Spirit-led worship is a fundamental part of our Watersprings Community. Our worship is not just a time filler or a warm-up for the Message. Our worship is a time dedicated for us, as the bride of Christ to adore God our Savior in His majesty.
Because we believe worship of God is spiritual, we remain flexible and yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct our worship. We also believe the worship of God is inspirational; therefore, we give great place to music and art in our worship. But all must be done in spirit and truth as unto God, not to men.
Worship is essential and necessary for the believer both privately and corporately. Paul writes, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24) So the next time we come to church, come with a heart ready to adore Jesus.