What is the importance of worship?

Worship is an important component found in virtually all churches.  Just take a look throughout the Word of God and you will find numerous examples of people worshiping God.  Even today you see so many variations of worship among the churches in our communities.  Many churches even categorize their worship services as liturgical or contemporary.  Some churches believe people should be able to raise their hands during worship, while others refrain from any outward forms of expression other than singing songs.  How do we apply the Apostle Paul’s instructions – to the Corinthians – to today’s churches?  “Let all things be done decently and in order.” (I Corinthians 14:40 KJV)  What about the types of songs and/or hymns churches choose for their worship services?  There are many believers who refrain from having contemporary music in their churches, not necessarily over the lyrics in the songs, but rather over convictions that modern-day musical artists may be gaining a profit from songs used for something as intimate as worshiping God.  Thus, many believers take the spiritual act of worship as a serious matter.  So what is the importance of worship?

In the Old Testament, during the days before the Law, the patriarchs of each household were responsible for building alters to the Lord and worshiping God directly.  In the book of Genesis, we find how Abraham went toward the hills east of Bethel, “…built an alter to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord….”  (Genesis 12:8 NIV)  Later, during the days of the Law, God gave the Aaronic priests the responsibility of taking care of the sanctuary and alter for the Israelites.  (Numbers 18:5)  As we progress to the days of King David, we see the psalmist highlighting the importance of believers submitting themselves to God with the words – “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2 NIV)  In the New Testament, we see the Apostle Paul following through with a similar analogy as the psalmist by saying we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices for our spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)

What does all of this mean to us?  As believers and followers in Jesus Christ, we are no longer under the Law of the Old Testament, but rather under the grace of God.  As a result, we offer our lives to God as instruments of righteousness. (Romans 6:13-14)  Therefore, when we worship God as believers, there are many ways that we can convey our honor and gratitude for the everlasting life that He provided for us.  The Bible provides numerous examples of people humbling themselves before God by using various forms, to include raising hands, bowing, kneeling, prostrating and sitting. (I Kings 8:22; 18:42; Genesis 17:3; II Samuel 7:18)  In similar manner, several expressions that may manifest during worship are praying, meditation, singing, dancing and praising as well as speaking in ecstatic utterances of praise. (Matthew 6:9-13; Psalm 1:1-2; II Chronicles 29:27-29; Exodus 15:19-21; Acts 10:44, 46; Psalm 29:1-2)   In other words, worship is a vital part of every believer’s relationship with God. 

Why is worship important in a church?  In today’s world, many people find it difficult to escape their daily routines and worship God “uninterrupted.”  Not everyone has a “picture perfect” life or family.  Several of these people come from troubled homes or situations.  As a result, churches need to remain focused on having empathy for people from all walks of life…especially since church services may be the only opportunity some people have to worship God without distractions for the week.  Therefore, we need to be aware of the importance of believers coming together as a group for worship, while not forgetting about the unique needs of people around us who are searching for that intimate moment of worship with their personal Lord and Savior.  Similarly, people should not pick a church based solely upon its worship style, rather they should look at the overall physique…since worship is only one aspect of believers coming together for the purpose of glorifying God.