Is worship about YOU??
“Of course not!” (our obvious and correct answer)
The answer given above would end this writing if it were not for the fact that many churches have made ‘worship’ a consumer activity.
Do you?
We know how to answer the question. And yet, when we come together to worship, we want things to be a certain way, right?
Let’s think about that.
People who ride roller coasters will tell you that their first time riding a particular ride is the most thrilling, perhaps even, the first few rides. And yet, the way amusement parks are run suggests that after a while, even the most thrilling ride loses its thrill and a new ride must be built to bring in thrill seekers. The reason is simple: People do not show up to honor the ride or the creator of the ride or the park. They are not there to give but to take. They ride to be thrilled and entertained.
When worship becomes something that, in your mind, you consume, you cease to be a worshipper. When a period of worship must meet your standard of what is satisfying, you are a consumer, not a worshipper.
Do you remember King David dancing before the Lord when the ark of the covenant was brought into Jerusalem? Some people today like to point to that occasion to justify the inclusion of exciting elements in a worship assembly.
Do you remember how the journey began when David brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem? After those carrying the ark had gone six paces, David stopped them and he sacrificed two animals to God. That took time. It does not carry a sense of excitement like the dancing but somber reflection and intentional worship. (2 Samuel 6:13 comes before verse 14.)
We should not give more focus to one occasion or the other. Both were expressions of worship on David’s part. Neither, by itself, ‘defines’ worship.
“I think worship would be more meaningful…
- “...If we sang fewer ‘old’ songs and more ‘new’ songs.”
- “...If the preacher made us laugh more.”
- “...If the communion service had more variety.”
- “...If people would ‘raise holy hands’ like the Bible says.”
- “...If people would ‘humbly bow’ like they did in the Bible.”
"I think worship would be more meaningful...if it was...what I like." And yet, if worship was focused on what YOU like, it would more accurately be worship “to you” or, at least, “for you”!! But it is not!
When Jesus said that a true worshipper must worship God in spirit and truth, he was not referring to external actions. Jesus warned his listeners about doing things to be seen by others. So, be careful about the way you evaluate the worship assembly; it is not about you and what you like.
The Bible is very clear that worship is a heart response to God that presents praise, honor, and gratitude. For the heart to truly worship, there must be understanding and intent. The mind and heart must be engaged. After all, how can a song or prayer be worship if we cannot understand? What is the ’communion service’ when one’s mind drifts elsewhere? What is ‘bowing’ or ‘raising holy hands,’ if one’s motive is merely to copy others?
Worship is not about consuming. It is not intended to give you an emotional high or intellectual buzz. Worship is not about taking, but giving.
When we assemble, don’t come to consume; rather, offer worship to God.
Mark Stinnett
August 16, 2026
