If you don’t *choose* to worship, you choose not to
The word “worship” in English comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word, weorthscip, which eventually became “worthship.” English Lords in those days were called “Your Worthship” in recognition of their position of authority and their extensive lands and holdings, or worth. As time went by, “worthship” was further shortened to “worship.” So, now today, “worship” means “to ascribe worth or value, or to count worthy.” When we worship God, we acknowledge that He is worthy. We acknowledge who He is and what He is. Cool, right?
Worshipping God, just like not worshipping, is a choice, every time. Choosing not to worship God is to turn from Him and take the first step away from His presence.
The Apostle John cried out, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for You have created all things, and for Your pleasure they are and were created.”(Revelation 4:11). Worship begins in the spirit of a person and is governed by the will of that person. This means you get decide whether or not you will worship the Lord. Praise and worship is a choice, not just an expression of emotional feelings. Choosing to praise and worship is deliberate and intentional, born out of the desire to draw closer to God with every fiber of your being. Worshipping God, just like not worshipping, is a choice, every time. Choosing not to worship God is to turn from Him and take the first step away from His presence.
Knowing all that God has done for you, and knowing who He is, worship should be the natural response of any believer! God lives within your praise (Psalm 22:3). It is where you meet and commune with His Spirit. When worship is being offered, He is there! The really hard truth is this: to avoid or refuse to worship, then, is to shun the Lord. Praise and worship are the backbone of Christian living. Only as we praise and worship Him for who He is can we really know God.
Thought for today
It may feeling challenging to your thinking to hear that not worshipping God is as much a choice as is choosing to worship Him- but it is true. No believer can truly love God without expressing that love- and what the Lord has asked for in return for His love, is your thanks: worship (Psalm 50:14, 23). Worship is only one thing: Ministry to the Lord. Everyone has the opportunity to worship and praise God, whether or not we feel like it- and maybe today you don’t feel like it! That is when praise become the most powerful, the most sacrificial and the most productive in your life. Choose to minister to the Lord today. Choose to love on Him. Choose to adore Him. Sing, sing, sing! Go someplace you can raise your hands. Close your eyes. Turn inward to your spirit, even if just for a few moments. God is waiting for you there.
