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Three Questions to Keep Your Worship Focused

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.