#religion/christianity ## What is worship? is it only about music? ![How to WORSHIP Correctly (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&si=xzpSPfmrVSiJ7g8L&v=8kONuWOsjTU&feature=youtu.be&ab_channel=ImpactVideoMinistries) Worship plays a significant role in the lives of Christians, but it is often misunderstood. Many people mistakenly equate worship with the act of singing praise songs. However, true worship goes beyond mere musical expression and requires a deep understanding of its essence. In order to worship correctly, we need to grasp the true meaning of worship as outlined in the Scriptures. Let's explore some key points and relevant scriptures that shed light on the correct way to worship: ## Complete Surrender and Willingness to Serve God Worship is not confined to the songs we sing or prayers we offer. It encompasses our entire lives and demands a complete surrender of ourselves to God. This surrender includes our hearts, ambitions, will, desires, dreams, bodies, and possessions. In Matthew 4:8-10, when tempted by Satan, Jesus responded by saying, "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only." True worship requires bowing in surrender and displaying a genuine willingness to serve God (Matthew 4:8-10, Daniel 3:5-7, 10-11, 15, 12-14, 18, 28). > [!bible]+ [Matthew 4:8-10 - NIV](https://bolls.life/NIV/40/4/) > 8. Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. > 9. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” > 10. Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” ## Beware of Empty Worship Worship can become empty and vain when we offer it with our lips while our hearts are far from God. In Matthew 15:8-9, Jesus condemned those who honored Him with their lips but lacked a genuine devotion to Him. This warning reminds us that worship devoid of sincere obedience and true devotion is fruitless. We should strive for a genuine connection with God, ensuring that our worship is not mere lip service (Matthew 15:8-9). > [!bible]+ [Matthew 15:8-9 - NIV](https://bolls.life/NIV/40/15/) > 8. “‘These people honor me with their lips,<br/>but their hearts are far from me. > 9. They worship me in vain;<br/>their teachings are but rules taught by men.’” ## Worship in Spirit and Truth True worship is rooted in both spirit and truth. In John 4:23-24, Jesus stated, "True worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth." Worshiping God in spirit entails engaging our whole being, connecting our hearts and minds with Him. It involves walking in obedience to God's commands and aligning our lives with His truth. As believers, we find truth through the Word of God (John 17:17). Therefore, worshiping in truth means grounding our worship in God's revealed truth and obeying His commands (John 4:23-24). > [!bible]+ [John 4:23-24 - NIV](https://bolls.life/NIV/43/4/) > 23. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. > 24. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” ## Worship Belongs to God Alone Worship is an exclusive act reserved for God alone. We may respect and honor those in authority, such as managers or pastors, but true worship is solely directed towards God. In Revelation 22:8-9, when John fell down to worship an angel, the angel corrected him, saying, "Worship God!" As Christians, we must acknowledge that our worship, surrender, and obedience belong solely to God (Revelation 22:8-9). > [!bible]+ [Revelation 22:8-9 - NIV](https://bolls.life/NIV/66/22/) > 8. I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. > 9. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”