WORSHIP: GIVING HIM MORE THAN A SONG

If one were to ask a diverse group of individuals to define "worship," the responses would likely vary considerably. However, in contemporary American culture, worship is often perceived as the portion of a church service that features a band, vocalists, stage lighting, and, at times, atmospheric effects for added emphasis. Yet, is this truly the essence of worship? Or have we, over time, confined it to a Sunday morning experience centered on music and ambiance?

In reality, worship encompasses far more than musical expression. It is not merely about singing along to a setlist but rather about the posture of our hearts, the way we conduct our lives, and the manner in which we honor God in our daily actions. Music undoubtedly serves as a powerful vehicle for worship. As a worship pastor, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of glorifying God through song. Indeed, the Apostle Paul even encouraged the early church in Ephesus to “[speak] to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19, NASB). While music is undeniably an integral component of worship, it does not encompass its entirety. Let’s explore this together.

Worship Is a Response

Worship can be defined as “the reverential response of creation to the all-encompassing magnificence of God” and the “awed response to the saving acts and praiseworthy character of God.” Worship encompasses our response to the attributes of the Almighty One. He is Sovereign, so we respond as such. He is Omniscient and Omnipresent, so we respond as such. His holiness and righteous should evoke some form of acknowledgement in our daily lives. That is worship! In essence, it flows from recognizing who God is—His sovereignty, omniscience, omnipresence, holiness, and righteousness—and responding accordingly. Worship is not a human invention but rather our natural reaction to God’s attributes and His works throughout eternity past, the present, and the future.

Worship Is an Offering

Worship is not cheap. In fact, living a life of worship opposes living a life of convenience every time! Why? Because it will always cost you something.  True worship compels us to present the very best of what we have to the Lord. We see this in the story of the woman with the alabaster box. She knew that she was in the presence of something greater than her and she demonstrated her knowing through extravagant worship with something costly—her expensive oils being poured at the feet of her King Jesus. The woman with the alabaster box shows us that worship is an offering to God that will cost us something. It will cost us our desires, time, attention, humility, intentionality, resources and so much more; but Jesus is worthy to receive all that we have. True worship is an honor and not a chore!

Worship Is Not About Us

It’s easy to slip into the mindset that worship is all about our preferences—especially when we reduce it to a Sunday event rather than embracing it as a lifestyle. When we focus solely on music style, chord charts, and stage aesthetics, we risk losing sight of what worship truly is. The story of the Israelites in Exodus 32 illustrates this danger: they turned from God to worship a golden calf. Likewise, in the New Testament, the Pharisees fixated on external traditions and rituals instead of genuine, heartfelt devotion. These examples remind us that true worship is not about us or our tastes; it’s about honoring God with sincere reverence and aligning our hearts with His.

True worship goes far beyond music, performance, or a scheduled Sunday service. It’s a lifestyle of devotion, reverence, and obedience to God. It is a heartfelt response to His splendor, grace, and mercy. Scripture tells us that the Father is looking for an all-in, head-over-heels people who will worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Be the one who offers extravagant, costly worship in every aspect of life—whether you’re caring for children, working, washing dishes, cooking dinner, running errands, or even getting your hair done. Keep your gaze fixed on the beautiful King, Jesus, and give Him something precious from your spirit.

Today, ladies, I encourage you to focus on spiritual realities as you worship in truth, grounded in the full counsel of God’s Word. Worship is not just a song, but it’s both an act and an attitude we carry with us every day.

Pastor Brittney Bias

Regional Church

Delbarton, WV