The word worship has had so many different definitions over the years and some have tried to narrow it down into one statement that describes what worship is. Although these definitions are helpful, the word worship is fairly illusive and hard to pin down, at least for me. But what does worship really look like? If we are called to worship God at all times and not just singing songs on Sunday morning, what does the day in and day out of continuos worship mean? How do we see it in action? Most of us worship leaders are very familiar with Romans 12:1.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Here we see that worship, true worship is a response, in view of the mercy of God, to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice. I love this verse. It's one that is a standard amongst worship leaders. But if we keep reading through Romans 12, we will see what that "living sacrifice" (worship) really looks like. Let's skip over to Romans 12:9-21.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Wow. It's like the 10 commandments of worship, isn't it? Notice how this passage starts. It says "love must be sincere". Then it goes on to tell us what to do or not do, and it's a little exhausting. However, we do not do these things out of obligation. We respond in love because of God's mercy on us. Sincere love is at the core of worship. So, how do we become better worshipers? Well, first we need a better view of God's mercy, right? How is your view these days? Do you have a good grasp on how merciful God has been to you? The bigger our view of God's mercy, the greater our love for him which makes living out these things a pleasure and not a burden. Love is the driving force as we respond to God's mercy. Without love, it is impossible to worship God. So, may we be filled with love, every second, every minute , every hour of every day. After all, love is what made a way and it's love that will lead us home.
Press on,
Jesse Shuster
