Spiritual Discipline Of Worship (Part 1) Series

Spiritual Disciplines: Worship

July 11, 2021

In the last year, our world has dramatically changed. We’ve dealt with issues we possibly never expected to deal with in our lifetimes. Whether it was issues regarding social justice, employment, and most especially the corona virus. We’ve had to close down for 2 different periods of time, and even though we’re open for worship and other activities, not everyone is back. That’s understandable, I get it.

As we continue talking about ways which help us grow to become more like Christ, as we look at the various spiritual disciplines, today and next week, we’re looking at worship. Worship has changed in the past year. We’ve learned new ways to worship. The question that comes to me when we talk about worship is ... really a complex, yet simple question . . . “why worship?”

That’s it, why do we worship? When you think about it, we all have different stories, different things going on in our lives. Even different views about who and what God is. Different theological views of God! Different ways to relate to God.

There’s that mom and dad who’s trying to get the kids ready for worship. Getting the kids dressed, getting dressed themselves, making sure everyone has eaten. Trying not to be late or in a really bad mood because someone was acting up.

Then, there’s the friend who was invited to worship, but is kind of hung-over. They don’t want to go, but if they go, this may get their friend off their back. Hit the snooze button one more time or get up and get coffee?

A couple of senior saints get up earlier than they used to because it takes longer to get dressed. They don’t move as quickly, but they still treasure worship and being with the church family, so they’re here every Sunday, aches and pains and all.

Another person is smiling as they drive and are filled with anticipation at the opportunity to thank God for the job promotion.

A 15 year old girl has fought with her parents all morning about why she had to get up so early on her only day off, why her skirt is too short to wear to church, and why a Diet Coke and a donut aren’t considered a nutritious breakfast.

Still others, wondered how to get a good internet connection so they can watch worship. Others wonder if missing another Sunday is OK with God. They have weekly weekend plans, so they hope to watch worship sometime later.

You see, every Sunday morning a minority of people are making decisions about worshiping God. Every person, man, woman and child has a story - a life that goes on from Monday through Saturday. Many of them rush to get to church on time. Some were on the fence all morning about whether they would really show up. So, for those who do arrive, for those who tune in on FB, for those who walk in the church, what’s at stake? How much does it really matter what takes place in the next hour?”

We’ve come here for many different reasons, some are hoping to experience Jesus, some are here because this is where their car automatically comes on Sunday mornings; some are here because they were told they had to be here, some came against their will and maybe even their better judgement (and I’m glad you’re here); some are here, very honestly for reasons that don’t make sense to them.

We have all come to this building knowing this is about WORSHIP. That’s the focus of our time together this morning.

So, it may seem strange to call worship a Spiritual Discipline, yet, if we don’t understand the point of worship and learn how to worship, then when we come here, we’re just opening ourselves to a time of frustration and boredom -- instead of a time of joy, praise and life giving celebration.

When we come to church, we have some options available to us. We can come into this building and we can be bitter and angry at the world, including God, for the rough times of our lives. We can come here like we were on that old show American Bandstand and rate a record. Rate the music, the prayer, the sermon, the friendlieness, the temperature and so on.

Or we can walk into this building, or we can watch on FB and be ready to worship. No matter what we’ve been through, we come expectant. We come wanting, needing, longing for a connection with God. We are prepared for worship. We are ready to give thanks and praise to God for all of the amazing ways He has blessed us in our lives, even in the midst of the struggles and disappointments.