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Thesis
Worship is an essential element of the believer to exercise their reason through action
while understanding why it is fundamentally important for the development of robust intellect.
God is a Supreme being, infinite in mercy but wise in all His dealings. According to The Apostle
Paul, the sovereignty of God disallows a faulty kingdom, and for this purpose, God is deserving
of our praise. Paul writes, “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be
shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (English
Standard Version, Hebrews 12:28). God is not required to earn our worship, but when we stand
in awe of Him, we grow in wisdom and maturity (ESV. Proverbs 1:7).
Worship, according to Merriam-Webster, is a ritual that happens when one offers
reverence to a deity.1 However, there are many forms of expressing this many of which are
private. In contrast, many only worships corporately, and publicly, and neglect to do so
intimately with God. The Bible warns against this as it becomes something for show, and not for
intimacy with God. According to Matthew, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before
other people to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in
heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in
the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they
have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what
your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in
secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love
to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others.
Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward” (ESV. Matthew 6:1-34). This is where
reason becomes important. A believer must examine their hearts to know the depth and
1 Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (10th ed.). (1999). Merriam-Webster Incorporated.
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reasoning behind why they worship. My worship to God is heavily influenced by the way I have
seen Him evident in my own life as well as those around me. Isaiah writes a similar testimony of
praise and worship for the things he saw God actively doing (ESV. Isaiah 25:1).
The purpose of worship is twofold. First, worship is the ONLY gift we can give God. All
of creation is beckoned to worship God, not just humanity- but all that breathes praise (ESV.
Psalm 150:6). All of nature worships the Creator, according to the Psalmist, “Let the rivers clap
their hands; let the hills sing for joy together” (ESV. Psalm 98: 8). The God of heaven and earth
has everything within His grasp and power yet chooses to allow the free will of His people.2 God
longs for His people to love Him and express this through worship (ESV. John 4:23).
Worship must be an intentional act, but it also requires consistency. According to John, a
believer must worship in two ways, spirit, and truth (ESV. John 4:24). That means my heart
needs to be filled with reverence and honor, which is then expressed through authentic actions. I
sing, in leading worship or just singing alone while cooking, my heart is in constant conversation
with God, the fruit of my lips as the Apostle Paul puts it (ESV. Hebrews 13:15) This means
verbally singing or speaking praises, either through song or prayerful adoration. Purposefully not
in the petition, worship should be primary, and making my requests known should come after. In
the same way, Jesus taught the disciples to pray, first with praise, then with petition (ESV.
Matthew 6:7).
While worship is not something mankind is forced to do, God does require His people to
be humble, open, and transparent, recognizing God alone is to be praised (ESV. Luke 4:8).
2 Zondervan. Zondervan Handbook to the Bible: Fifth Edition. (Grand Rapids: HarperCollins Christian
Publishing, 2017), 53.
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Consequently it is God who gave man the ability to worship and instilled praise in mankind
(ESV. Colossians 3:16).
It is a reasonable request that I honor God with my body as much as with my words.
After all, I was made in His image and likeness and should be a reflection of Him in all things
(ESV. Isaiah 55:8, Genesis 9:27, 9:6) Worshiping God through our bodies as well as heart, will,
and emotion is one way to intentionally worship through outward expression (ESV. Romans
12:1). This can be as simple as dressing modestly and watching what I put in my body as the
temple of God (ESV. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). It is also about taking care of myself through
exercise and healthy living as much as it is about avoiding things that could bring harm, like
alcohol or narcotics.
Christ gives me a new heart in Him. It is only in Christ a believer is made new, thus
reflecting the very nature of God, His goodness, which is reason alone for worship (ESV. 2
Corinthians 12:5-7, Colossians 3:10). God’s thoughts are higher, so mankind’s intellectual ability
to reason and praise come through Christ alone, which can be built while in relation with Him
(ESV. Isaiah 55:8).
We are called to protect our hearts which enable us to praise and worship (ESV. Proverbs
4:13). According to J.P. Moorland’s perspective, from the heart and the mind flow Worship in
spirit (ESV. Proverbs 4:23).
I believe in God’s expectations for my own life is to call on Him in every situation. To
praise Him when life is good, and to worship and praise Him when life is bad. It is only through
Him I can find perfect peace for any storm (ESV. Philippians 4:6-7). My job is to praise Him,
trust Him, and surrender to Him. His job is everything else.
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In conclusion, God is worthy of my praise and worship. I must find ways to express my
worship which are pleasing to Him and selfless for me for it to be an authentic and humbling
worship. Thank you, Father God for Your goodness that follows me, even in my unfaithfulness,
pursues me in my darkest hour, and loves me irrevocably. I am not worthy of the cross, but I am
so thankful for Your Son, Your provision, and Your strength in my weakness. God, you are so
Good! Let me continually praise Your Holy Name without reservation, without pride or
arrogance, with a humble heart longing for You. In Jesus might name, Amen.
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Bibliography
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (10th ed.). (1999). Merriam-Webster Incorporated.
Moreland, J. P., Love Your God with All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul.
(Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2012).
English Standard Bible. (2016). https://esv.literalword.com/Links to an external site.
(Original work published 2001).
Zondervan. Zondervan Handbook to the Bible: Fifth Edition. (Grand Rapids:
HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 2017).
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