Nature of worship

Can worship be forced? If worship is simply a heart attitude or state of mind, then it cannot be forced. If worship is just a heart attitude, then there was no need for SM&A to refuse. Just bow and in your heart, don't worship. But worship is not that simple. Action is worship. Even if they didn't "worship" the statue in their heart, submitting to the outward physical action of bowing meant something. We worship in spirit and in truth. Actions matter.

Yes, worship can be forced. But only if it is an action, not a "feeling."

I get two things from this.
1: When I don't have the "feeling," I can still give my worship. I can obey regardless of emotion. This is how I came back to the church, when I was still angry at seminary and hypocrisy and "church people." I came back and worshiped in dry somber obedience until the emotion returned.

2: Giving our hearts in "passionate worship" means little. Signs of passion, such as raising hands, standing through all the songs, singing loudly, crying, clapping, and shouting are great. So is taking notes, looking up the text, saying "amen," and repeating after the pastor when asked. But they are not the "actions" of worship. When we meet together, it is called a worship "service." Let our lives outside the church building give the name of our gathering the proper meaning.

Created almost 3 years ago