What Do We Mean by Worship?

As I shared a few weeks ago, I’d speculate that when most of us think of worship, our minds flash to images of hands raised and voices lifted in song. But I think Scripture gives us a broader definition that supersedes our Sunday morning church experience.

So exactly what do we mean by worship?

These passages scribed by the Apostle Paul give us deeper insights into the art of worship:

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” –Romans 12:1-2 

The Old Testament context of sacrifices involved offering up animals for the washing away of Israel’s sins. In the New Testament era we live in, the motive for sacrifices have changed.

Because of the great sacrifice Christ made on our behalf and the great measure of grace believers have received, we’re exhorted to offer up our lives in total surrender and sacrifice for God’s glory. In doing so, we worship God.

Paul—inspired by the Holy Spirit—continues this idea in Galatians.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” –Galatians 2:20

It seems to me that worship is using every gift we’ve been given—time, treasures, and talents—to live outside ourselves for the glory of God … giving back to Him what His grace has freely given us.

Louie Giglio famously said, “Worship is simply giving God His breath back.”

I think that this statement is an accurate and inspiring description of worship because it gives believers the liberty to work, parent, serve, play, sing, dance, study, and so much more as worshipful acts that display God’s lavish grace at work in and through our lives.

With this perspective, believers hold the power to inspire others toward a saving relationship with their Maker - simply by allowing the Holy Spirit to flow thought their every action.

How are you using your life to ignite worship?