Worship: Event, Activity or Lifestyle?
The term “worship”, whether used in a religious or secular context, is supposed to reflect an attitude and ongoing experience rather than a specific activity or event.
Sometimes it seems that humanity embraces worship more fully when the object of that worship is not God. For instance, many people worship their possessions, their favorite celebrities, political and philosophical ideologies, and so on, and they are not afraid or ashamed to be focused on these objects of their worship at all times.
In contrast, when it comes to the worship of God, many of us seem to lack the stamina to apply ourselves as fully to the endeavor as the Bible suggests and teaches that we should. Perhaps it is because we see so many examples of misdirected worship that we are afraid to put that same kind of energy and focus into the worship of the only One worthy of worship. Perhaps we are afraid of being perceived as extremists. Whatever the reasoning, all too often, our worship tends to more resemble "activity" or "event" rather than "lifestyle".
The theme of the entire Bible is that of worship. The underlying conflict of the Great Controversy between God and Satan is all about worship. The fact is that the worship of God should be so much a part of our existence, that the phrase "ongoing worship" will seem as pointless to us as the phrase "constant breathing". Just as occasional breathing is of little use to an organism that depends upon air, so occasional worship provides little benefit to organisms that depend upon God.
Part-time worship is not nearly as effective for spiritual growth as it might seem at first glance. Sure, part-time is better than none at all, in the same way that one meal every other day is better than complete starvation, but growth and health and vigor are not really accommodated by one meal every other day, either.
While it is often used in other contexts such as Christian Education and Parenting, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is actually a good text for emphasizing worship lifestyle and attitude:
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9 KJV)
If angels and other holy beings can live in a state worship (Revelation 4:8-11), how much more we who need the power of God to overcome the evil one?
Andrew S. Baker aka ASB
Since 2004, Andrew (along with his wife) has led and supported several ministries at his local church, including Family Life Ministries, Young Adult Ministries, Sabbath School, and Bible Study groups. He also serves as a volunteer moderator for the Sabbath School Network (SSNET) mailing list, and hosts several mailing lists and Facebook discussion groups pertaining to Bible Study and religion.
Additionally, Andrew is a certified Family Life Counselor, providing affordable pre-marital counseling, marriage preparation, and marriage enrichment services. It is his desire to ensure that the today's young people are given all of the training and nurture necessary to enable them to experience their own vibrant and fulfilling relationship with God.
Other major interests include Technology, Astronomy, Chess, Reading, Bible Study, Family Fun, and the great outdoors...