Imagine going to a Sunday church service to sing unto the Lord, hear a life-challenging sermon, dedicate a few minutes (out of the weekly 10,080) to greet and fellowship with others, and then leave somewhat disappointed because you were dissatisfied with the worship!

“I really didn’t like the worship today.” Yep, those are the exact words I’ve heard several times in my 30+ years of following Christ. And yes, I stand guilty as charged! However, I have come to repentance after being rebuked by Pastor Francis Chan in one of his Crazy Love broadcasts.

Have you ever taken the time to consider what worship truly is? Have you been taught about it in a Bible study or at least a Sunday sermon? Have you read biblical accounts of the Jewish people gathering to worship? If you have, who is the object of worship and why? Your immediate answer should come from understanding what worship is and not just an automatic spiritual response.

For one, worship should be a lifestyle, not a prescribed ritualistic act. It should be an attitude of the heart that is not subject to a particular time, place, or atmosphere. It should transcend logic and flow without coercion. If you can grasp this, then knowing who you worship and why is part of what completes you as a living soul.

"So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before GOD, who made us!" - Psalm 95:6 

"My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day." - Pslam 71:8

If you or someone you know has ever given a “constructive” critique of a particular worship service, consider what Pastor Chan would say, “Did it ever occur to you that [they] weren’t worshipping you…that [they] don’t really care?” Any church’s worship team/ministry has to prepare for Sunday services. It does so by seeking God in prayer, choosing songs, practicing, and realizing that they are, in part, leading the congregation in worship unto God. Again, worship UNTO GOD, not themselves or the church. Nevertheless, true worship is not dependent on song lyrics, harmony of voices, fine-tuned instruments, or the “right” ambiance. Yes, all these things can contribute to an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. However, they should not be the factors that determine how “good” worship is. It is God who decides what is and what is not acceptable worship. First, because it is actually FOR Him. Second, because when we worship Him, privately or in the company of others, He judges the condition of the heart, not the environment.

"I, the LORD, search the minds and test the hearts of people." - Jeremiah 17:10a

"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” - 1 Samuel 6:7b

We go to church to worship the One True God with others who do the same. We go to be encouraged and challenged by the word of God. We go to sing praises to the God of creation because He is worthy. And, we go in obedience to God’s word, which instructs us to fellowship with others of like faith.

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." - Hebrews 10:25

One of the many blessings that most of us enjoy is the freedom to worship anytime, anywhere, and to attend a church of our choice (liking) to do so. However, we must remember that not everyone is as privileged. Many have no choice but to worship God in seclusion because of persecution or other restrictions. Some are just grateful to God that they can worship with others, even if without instruments, harmonious choruses, stage lights, adequate temperature controls, or a roof over their heads, for that matter.

So, it should be clearly understood that worship is FOR God, not us. It is to bring glory to His name, not to make us feel better. And, since He is the One being worshipped when we sing along with the worship team and others in a church setting, we don’t have to be pleased, He does! It would also behoove us to remember that genuine worship that is acceptable to God comes from a sincere, pure, and grateful heart.

"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!" - Pslam 95:6

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!" Pslam 115-1

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” - John 4:24