Worshipper of the LORD

“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God, and does His will, He will listen to them.”  John 9:31

            On my first day of prayer and fasting that I was doing with my church I had a strong desire in my heart to understand what being a worshipper of the Lord meant.  When I first started a Google search, I came across a few verses, John 9:31 sticking out to me the most.  So I started to dig further.  I knew worship was more than just singing Sunday mornings, or even in the quiet of my apartment.  What I found are what I would call the 4 “s’s” of worship. 

1.)    Submission:  The most common Greek word that is translated to our word submission is proskyneo (or the Hebrew shachac).  When translated this refers to a posture of submission thus acknowledging God’s sovereignty.  However, it isn’t always a physical posture.  Our spirits should be in submission to God, allowing Him to be the director of our lives.  Our thoughts are not His thoughts, nor our ways His ways (Isaiah 55:8).  But God’s plans are always the best (Jeremiah 29:11).  These plans may not always seem like they are the best.  Look at Israel and how it was captured by Babylon.  Yet, in the end God restored and brought glory. 

2.)    Service:  Paul uses the Greek word leitourgia in some of his letters that we have translated to the word worship.  A better translation for this word would be service.  I could type out many different verses on being a servant for Christ.  Here are a few for reference:  Matthew 20:28, Acts 20:35, Galatians 5:13, and Philippians 2:1-4.  Obviously it is important.  However, we are also to remember we should not be doing good works for others to notice.  Matthew 6:1-4 is a clear warning that doing works of service to become righteous in the eyes of others will not benefit you.  So how does this relate to worship?  Matthew 25:35-40 states that whatever we have done for the least of these, we have done for Christ also. 

3.)    Sacrifice:  Service and sacrifice often go hand in hand.  Romans 12:1 tells us that we are to be a living sacrifice to Jesus.  In the Old Testament, the people were instructed how to bring a thanks offering (also known as a freewill offering or peace offering).  They could do it whenever they wanted to show their worship to God.  We are no longer under the law, and so we are to freely give our lives as Romans 12:1 states.  Philippians 2:17 Paul talks about how he is poured out like an offering in serving others.  Jesus was literally a sacrifice for us, and serving others in love for the Gospel will force us to become a living sacrifice. 

4.)    Singing:  This one is my favorite.  The whole Bible is filled with God’s children lifting up their voices singing praises to God.  Even in his struggles, King David wrote beautiful songs to God.  Even Zephaniah 3:17 says that God rejoices over us with singing and gladness.  I read an article that said that if we sang with any kind of accompaniment that we were defiling the worship.  I don’t believe that.  David played the harp, and there were other musical instruments played back then.  I say sing however you want.  Want a full band? Great!  Just a guitar? Awesome!  Nothing? Good for you! On stage? Wonderful!  In the shower?  God loves that too!  I even believe you can be singing in your heart for no ears to hear, and it is still glory to God.  Do you think you are tone deaf?  God still hears beautiful music out or your mouth. 

Obviously worship is not limited to these things.  We all have unique platforms.  Some may be gifted in music, others writing, and still others listening and being supportive.  We all have been spiritual gifts, and as long as we use them for God’s glory we are serving and sacrificing our lives to God.  We sing on Sunday, but don’t get caught up in routine.  That takes away the sacredness of worship through singing.  Let every word out of your mouth be an act of worship to God.  So often we think “I’m only worshipping God and bringing Him glory if I am at church, or doing something church related.”  That isn’t true.  We bring glory to God through love, which is not a feeling, but an action.  

This is my heart's desire.  That I would worship God with all my heart, mind, and soul.  I am taking steps that this would be the example of my life.  That I could be called a worshipper of the LORD