Worship is an interesting subject to discuss, as there seem to be so many varied ideas about what is or is not acceptable in worship. Some folks take a very open approach and suggest that “how” one worships really is not all that important, “as long as one is worshiping God.” What do you think about that position? Do you honestly believe that it does not matter to God how He is worshiped? Rather than base our conclusions on our own speculation or personal judgments, let’s allow the Bible to teach us.
Consider what we read about certain Bible characters worshiping God and what we can learn. We read about worship very early in the Bible (in Genesis 4). Ask Cain and Abel if it really matters how we worship? Scripture states, “And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering” (Gen. 4:3-5). In that situation, who would you rather be? Cain or Abel? Why? If it doesn’t matter how we worship, then why would this statement even be found in the Bible?
What if we were to ask Nadab and Abihu if it matters how we worship (Lev. 10:1-3)? What about King Saul (1 Sam. 13:8-14)? What about King Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:16-21)? What about the Pharisees (Matt. 15:7-9)? Reading each of these accounts individually is instructive. Reading all of them together shouts with one voice, “It matters how we worship!”
More than these examples of worship, Christians have the teaching of Jesus in the New Testament to direct us. Jesus taught, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). First of all, consider that God is seeking “the true worshipers.” That obviously implies that one can be a false worshiper. It also should drive every believer to do whatever is necessary for God to FIND him when He seeks for His true worshipers. Are you one?
There is a standard set out for true worship—it is done “in spirit and in truth.” God’s Word is “truth” (John 17:17). Therefore, New Testament Christians have no further to look for clear direction in becoming “true worshipers” than to the New Testament itself. Read through your New Testament. That early church partook of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday (1 Cor. 11:23-26; 16:1-2; Acts 20:7), sang hymns of praise as a congregation (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), prayed to the Lord (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 14:14-16), gave of their means (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-8), and enjoyed the preaching of the gospel (Acts 20:7; 2 Tim. 4:2).
The church of Christ seeks to follow this authorized pattern for worship in the New Testament. Does your church?