Biblical Worship

In our journey to understand what makes a church truly healthy, we arrive at a crucial element - biblical worship. This isn't just about the songs we sing or the sermons we hear; it's about the very essence of why we gather as believers. At its core, biblical worship is about glorifying God in the way He has prescribed, not in ways we think might please Him.

Consider the story of David and Uzzah from 2 Samuel 6. David, with all good intentions, decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. He had a new cart built and set out with 30,000 chosen men, leading them in jubilant worship. Picture the scene: thousands of people singing, playing instruments, and praising God as they walked. It must have been a sight to behold!

But then, disaster struck. The oxen stumbled, and Uzzah, reacting instinctively, reached out to steady the Ark. In that moment, God struck him dead. This shocking turn of events leaves us questioning: Why would God do such a thing?

The answer lies in understanding God's holiness and His specific instructions for approaching Him. David, despite his good intentions, had ignored God's clear commands about how the Ark should be transported. This story serves as a stark reminder that we don't get to approach God on our own terms, no matter how well-meaning we might be.

So, what does biblical worship look like in a healthy church? The Apostle Paul gives us a beautiful picture in Colossians 3:12-17. He outlines three key aspects:

1. We gather to worship God with the right attitude
Paul calls us to "put on" compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These aren't just nice qualities; they're essential garments for those who belong to God. Our attitudes matter deeply to God, especially as we come together to worship Him.

Imagine a church where every member truly embodied these qualities. Where compassion flowed freely, kindness was the norm, humility prevailed over pride, gentleness characterized interactions, and patience abounded. This is the kind of community that reflects Christ to the world.

2. We gather to worship God in unity
Paul emphasizes the importance of peace and unity within the body of Christ. He urges us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, reminding us that we are called as one body. This unity isn't about uniformity in preferences or styles; it's about being unified in Christ.

A church unified in Christ is a powerful witness. It's a place where forgiveness flows freely, where grudges and resentments have no place. It's a community where members bear with one another, support each other through struggles, and rejoice in each other's joys.

3. We gather to worship God according to the Bible
At the heart of biblical worship is the Word of God. Paul instructs us to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly. This means that Scripture should permeate every aspect of our worship - from the songs we sing to the sermons we hear.

In practical terms, this looks like:
- Preaching that is firmly rooted in Scripture, expounding its meaning and applying it to our lives.
- Songs that are doctrinally sound and rich in biblical truth.
- Prayers that are shaped by God's Word.

It's important to note that while the style of our worship may change across cultures and time periods, the substance - the centrality of God's Word - must remain constant.

As we reflect on these principles, we're challenged to examine our own hearts and practices. Do we come to worship with the right attitudes? Are we promoting unity within our church family? Is our worship truly guided by the Bible?

Biblical worship isn't just about what happens during a church service. It's a lifestyle that permeates every aspect of our lives. As Paul concludes, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17).

This call to worship extends beyond Sunday mornings. It's about living lives that glorify God in everything we do. It's about approaching our work, our relationships, our challenges, and our joys with hearts full of gratitude and a desire to honor Christ.

As we strive to be a healthy church, let's remember that biblical worship is at the core of our identity and purpose. It's not about perfection - we're all works in progress - but about a sincere desire to approach God on His terms, with hearts full of love for Him and for one another.

Let's challenge ourselves to come to worship with hearts prepared, attitudes aligned with Scripture, and a deep desire for unity. Let's immerse ourselves in God's Word, allowing it to shape our songs, our prayers, and our very lives. And in all things, let's give thanks to God, recognizing that every aspect of our worship and our lives is an opportunity to bring glory to His name.

In doing so, we'll find that our worship becomes more than just a Sunday activity; it becomes a transformative force that shapes us into the image of Christ and impacts the world around us. This is the heart of biblical worship - and the mark of a truly healthy church.