Worshiping God is something that takes real effort to do properly and acceptably. (Note the word “do.”) While the word “worship” can be used as a noun, God uses the word as a verb. Furthermore, it is not used as a passive verb (of something that happens “to” me or “around” me). Worship is an active verb. It is something that takes real effort to do properly and acceptably.
Worship is a holy activity, in which holy beings “offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:5). God is the One who is to be praised (Heb. 13:15), the One to be honored (1 Tim. 1:17), the One whose eyes are watching (1 Pet. 3:12) and seeking true worshipers (John 4:23).
How can you and I make sure we are truly worshiping properly and acceptably? We cannot be mere spectators. We cannot just sit inactively. Are you a teenager? How can you stay focused and engaged in worship? Are you a young adult? How can you stay focused and engaged in worship? Are you a new covert? Are you an “old-time” member? How can you stay focused and engaged in worship? Each of us have our own challenges. As a possible help, write these questions down to keep with you and to review throughout a worship service. These questions are not designed to insult or cause resentment; they are for personal reflection and personal incentive to stay focused.
“What if Jesus was sitting right next to me?” Because He is (Heb. 2:12; Matt. 26:29). It’s very difficult to refrain from singing, when I envision Jesus sitting right next to me. It’s terribly embarrassing to fall asleep during the sermon after staying up playing games all Saturday night, when I envision Jesus sitting right next to me.
“What if Jesus knew what I was thinking right now?” Because He does (John 2:24-25; Matt. 9:4). It’s extremely challenging to maintain negative thoughts (like “this is boring,” “this is taking too long,” “I can’t wait to be done”), when I remember that Jesus is in my head and knows every thought I have. It’s amazingly uncomfortable to be planning my week and making my grocery list while “in worship,” when I remember that Jesus is in my head and knows.
“What if Jesus glanced at me from His cross right now?” Because He is (Heb. 12:1-3; Luke 22:61). It’s tough to think a sermon is dull or the Lord’s Supper is tiresome or dead time, when I glance, metaphorically, at Jesus hanging on the cross and see Him glancing back at me.
Try asking these questions while you worship.