WORSHIPPING OR JUST ATTENDING WORSHIP?
By Neil Richey
Jesus made the following charge: "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me" (Matt. 15:8). What an indictment for today's worshipper to consider. "Am I truly worshipping God, or am I just attending worship?" I recall sitting in a Bible class about six years ago when the teacher said, "I used to have pew-monia." He told us that when the doors to the church building were opened, he was there. However, he was not really there because his heart was not in it. Jesus said, "God is a Spirit" and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). The actions of worship are important, yet the attitude in worship is equally important.
Sometimes, one who is just attending worship will stick out like a sore thumb. It is apparent in the fact that they are not participating. A gospel preacher, of which I am, has the privilege of seeing every face in the auditorium. When he preaches he may notice individuals carrying on a conversation with a neighbor. Perhaps a baby is being passed back and forth. When the invitation is extended and everyone is asked to stand and sing to encourage a soul to come to Christ, there are some who look around and do everything but open their mouth in praise to God and in edification to the one who is so close to walking down the aisle and making a commitment to the Lord.
There are some who consider worship as having very little meaning. Those who think this way need to ask themselves the question, "Just how far do I thrust myself in to the worship of God?" During the week, every Christian should be preparing themselves to worship on the Lord's Day. This preparation begins with holy living. Paul said, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1)
When leaving the house on Sunday morning for worship, pray for the church: the elders, deacons, preacher, and every member who will be worshipping with you.
When you approach the church building, leave distracting thoughts behind.
When the worship hour begins lift your voice to God in song and bow you your head as you approach His throne n prayer.
Consider the words of the sermon, and let their meaning penetrate the very depth of your soul.
When observing the Lord's Supper, discern the body of the Lord.
When giving liberally, be thankful for God's blessings.
At the close of the worship hour, speak to everyone you know, and greet those you do not.
When you leave the building, be convicted that you will do better tomorrow than you have done in the past.
Ask yourself the question, "Am I truly worshipping God, or am I just attending worship?" Never be like the fellow with "pew-monia." Faithfully attend the worship services of the saints, and when you do, be sure to "...worship Him in spirit and in truth."