Do you like to worship?  When you hear the word “worship” what do you think of?  An hour on Sunday or Saturday?  A certain type of music, which you may or may not enjoy?

What does that word actually mean? It may be helpful to understand the origins of the word.  It’s from an old English word, “worth-ship.”  A word that described what something was worth.

Worship is a means of declaring something’s value or worth.  But not like an appraiser does.  Rather, like a recipient does.  An appraiser is detached and impersonal.  A recipient is one who enjoys that which is being valued.  The recipient has RECEIVED something personally.  Because of that, they are often likely to be emotionally connected.  There are strong experiences and memories.  There’s history.  There’s a track-record of personal benefit.  The appraiser says, “Based on my research, here’s what it is worth.”  The recipient says, “Based on my life experience, here’s what it is worth.”

The actions of worship are not limited to an hour on Sunday, or to singing songs.  Those are fine as far as they go.  But worship is a way of life.  It’s a life lived in response to the benefits one has received (and even continues to receive).  In the case of the Christ-follower, worship is a response to God’s endless grace and mercy.  The actions of worship are seen in the everyday choices and values and conversations.  The actions of worship are seen when we say, “Because of who he is and what he has done for me, God deserves my very best.”  My best time.  My best talent.  My best treasures.

Romans 12:1

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 

The way you use your time, your talent, and your treasure is a statement about the value, or “worth-ship” of God.  If someone was paying attention to your life (and they already are), what would they conclude about the value you place on God?  Would it be that of an appraiser, or a recipient?

-Pastor Mark

P.S. I encourage you to bring your best worship this weekend and join us for the last week in our series, “Great Expectations.”