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That Worship Is Giving Instead Of Getting? By: Gary Colley
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That Worship Is Giving Instead Of Getting? By: Gary Colley
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How often we hear people say or imply as they exit the worship service, "I did not get anything out of worship today." Some then refuse to return to the worship services. Some way we have developed the false, self-centered concept that the worshiper is to receive, rather than give! Often one expects to be "lifted," almost as if by some magical power, from the doldrums of person problems to exhiting spiritual heights. Some consider the song leader, preacher, and teachers, are there to perform for them. If the "performance" is not to their suiting they will look for their needs to be fulfilled somewhere else. While it is true that the song leader, preacher, and teachers will inspire, encourage, edify, and lift up the sincere heart by the teaching of Truth, that is not the basic reason we come to worship our God! Please note just a few significant passages below that show that first and foremore we are to assemble to render praise unto God.
"What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me (Psalm 116:12)?"
"I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people (Psalm 116:14)."
"I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord
(Psalm 116:17)."
"Whoso offereth praise florifeith me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show
the salvation of God (Psalm 50:23)."
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)."
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual
blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)."
"Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For
our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28-29)."
"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips
giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15)."
These Scriptures are only a sample of the host of references emphasizing the worshipper's need to give thanks, offer adoration, render praises, in worship from our heart! Our worship should be more of giving and not just that of expecting something for ourselves.