But on the contrary, why is it that when it comes to the things of God, people suddenly begin to yawn with boredom. Why don't we get excited about worshipping God?
It is disappointing to see the lack of enthusiasm for God when I look around the church today. God is so much more than a performance. He is incomparable! So why don't we get excited about worshipping the one who has given us life? Where is our heart of worship?
Take attending a church service on a Sunday morning for example. We see rain, and we easily decide to stay in bed instead of attending church. We can spend days lining up for tickets but we can't spend a couple of hours in the house of God? I am perplexed that it can't just be a simple "prayer meeting". We have to throw in a barbeque in order to attract multitudes to a prayer meeting. Does entertainment need to be provided in order to get us involved in the things of God? Is this true worship?
Sometimes I even get the feeling that people place a high responsibility on others (e.g. pastors) for their own worship, when in fact, we all have a responsibility for our worship. I believe a question we need to continually ask ourselves is this; is my heart in the right place? Am I willing to give time to God? Do I have an attitude of praise and an openness to be challenged by the word of God? Am I a spectator or do I join in God's work?
What is worship?
So, what is worship? Is it something that we only do when we attend church and sing together with other Christians? How do we worship God? I believe Romans 12 verse 1 provides direction on what true worship is. It says: Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.
We need to put the love we have for God into action. Worship isn't just about singing and it's not a performance. It is really about Jesus Christ. Praising God in song is only but a form of worship. Prayer is a form of worship. Using the gifts and talents that God has given us is a form of worship. Being part of and attending a church is part of worship. Encouraging each other in our walk with Christ is worship. We worship and glorify God when we live our lives in accordance with God's principles. When we wholly surrender our lives to God and allow him to change us from the inside out - offering our bodies as living sacrifices.
I understand that every day is different. I will have good days, but I will also have bad days. This is something that to some extent cannot be avoided. However, the bible teaches us that we are to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4 verse 4). So my attitude in worship is something that is in my power to control. It is a choice. I can choose to have the right attitude and willingness for worship or I can choose not to.
My desire is to be able to truly worship God in everything. When I walk into church on Sunday morning, I want to come in with the right attitude and eager to hear God's word and worship Him regardless of how I feel. I want to wake up each day thankful for what God is doing in my life, and praising Him for the blessings he has given me. I want to live each day in accordance to His word, and allow the Holy Spirit to continually renew my mind. I would like to live a life that glorifies God. I want to be excited in doing things for God. It may not be easy (especially if going through a tough experience), but this is my desire and what I hope to achieve with God's help.
It is my hope that above all else, each of us chooses to truly worship God with our hearts. Let's get excited about serving God. Worship is an act that cannot be compared to a performance. It has to come from the heart. Otherwise it would be nothing more than just a show.
Kandima Awendila was born in Mozambique and lives and works as an IT Service Desk Engineer on the Gold Coast.
Kandima Awendila's archive of articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/kandima-awendila.html