More Than a Feeling: Heartfelt Worship That Goes Beyond Emotion
Have you ever been to a worship service that felt electric? Where the music soared, the prayers were fervent, and you felt a tangible sense of connection with something bigger than yourself? Maybe it was a massive gathering like Passion at the Beacon Theater, where thousands of voices united in praise, or a small, intimate gathering where the presence of God felt close and personal. Whatever the setting, those moments of authentic worship can be incredibly powerful.
But what exactly is worship? Is it just an emotional high, a fleeting feeling of excitement and passion? Or is there something deeper, something more enduring at the heart of true worship?
The word "worship" itself gives us a clue. It comes from the Old English "worth-ship," meaning to ascribe the highest worth to something. It's about recognizing value, giving honor and demonstrating reverence. Ultimately, worship is about what we treasure most in our hearts.
Think about it: whatever you value or love the most – your family, your career, your possessions, even yourself – that's what you're truly worshipping. Worship in church is simply an outward expression of what's already happening in your heart.
The Bible teaches that we were created to worship. It's not an optional add-on to the Christian life; it's woven into the very fabric of our being. And the only object worthy of our deepest devotion is the God of the Bible.
More Than a Feeling
While emotion can be a part of worship, it's not the whole story. True worship engages our minds as well as our hearts. Jesus himself said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37).
We need to know who we are worshipping. We need to understand his character, his love, his grace, and his power. That's why sound doctrine, or right teaching about God, is essential for authentic worship.
It's easy to get caught up in the externals of worship – the style of music, the volume, the lighting, the rituals. But these things are secondary. As John Ortberg wisely said, "Our unity is not in style; our unity is in Jesus Christ." Whether we prefer hymns or contemporary praise songs, quiet contemplation or exuberant celebration, the focus of our worship should always be on Jesus himself.
Two Worship Killers
There are two things that can seriously hinder our worship: false doctrine and greed.
False doctrine distorts our understanding of God, leading us astray from the truth. The apostle Paul warns us about those who teach "false doctrines" (1 Timothy 1:3). These are teachings that contradict the clear message of the Bible, often elevating human ideas and opinions above the word of God.
False teachers can be identified by several traits: they tend to be conceited, thinking they know better than the Bible or established church tradition. They often love to argue and create controversy, getting bogged down in petty disputes. And sadly, they may be motivated by greed, using their position for personal gain.
This brings us to the second worship killer: the love of money. Jesus spoke more about money than he did about sex, heaven, or hell. Why? Because he knew how easily our hearts can be captivated by wealth and possessions.
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself. But it warns us about the dangers of greed. "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
When we prioritize money over God, we're essentially saying that we trust in our wealth more than we trust in him. This attitude can poison our worship and hinder our relationship with God.
Cultivating a Heart of Worship
So how can we cultivate a heart of true worship? By focusing on two key elements: sound doctrine and contentment.
Sound doctrine keeps us grounded in the truth about God. It reminds us of who he is, what he has done for us, and what he deserves from us. When our worship feels dry or lifeless, we need to return to the foundational truths of the gospel, meditating on the love and grace of Jesus.
Contentment is the other essential ingredient for authentic worship. "Godliness with contentment is great gain," Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:6. When we're constantly striving for more, always comparing ourselves to others, and never satisfied with what we have, it's difficult to truly worship God.
Contentment doesn't mean settling for mediocrity or giving up on our dreams. It means recognizing that true satisfaction is found in God alone, not in our possessions or achievements.
The apostle Paul, who experienced both poverty and abundance, learned the secret of contentment: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). His joy and his ability to worship weren't dependent on his circumstances; they were rooted in his relationship with Christ.
A Life of True Worship
Ultimately, worship is not just about what we do on Sunday mornings. It's about how we live our lives every day. It's about surrendering our hearts to God, aligning our values with his, and using our resources for his glory.
The story of William Borden, a young missionary who gave up a life of privilege to serve God in Egypt, is a powerful example of this kind of wholehearted devotion. Borden's life was a stark contrast to the opulence and materialism of King Tutankhamun, whose tomb was filled with unimaginable wealth. Borden understood that true treasure is not found in earthly possessions but in a life lived for Christ.
As we cultivate a heart of worship, grounded in sound doctrine and contentment, we can experience the joy and freedom that come from knowing and serving the God who is worthy of all our praise. We can join with countless others throughout history, proclaiming with our lives, "Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life."
With You;
Pastor Tim
