How Do You Worship?

Written by Kristi Edwards

“Worship is our response, both personal and corporate, to God--for who He is and what He has done expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live.”                                                     -Louie Giglio

     Last night, I observed a children’s choir rehearsal at a church down the street for a class I am currently taking at Lee University. When I got there for the start of rehearsal, I was tired from the day and just wanted to get it over with so I could start the next task on my to-do list. What I did not plan was the fact that I would be instantly brought to tears by the sweet sound of 35 innocent voices singing about Jesus’ birth.

   All of a sudden, memories of my childhood came to mind. You see, at every church my father pastored at, my mother took it upon herself to start a children’s choir. Because I was their child, I, along with my 3 sisters, had to be part of the choir as well. I couldn’t tell you how many productions and musicals I have been a part of growing up, or even how many I helped direct when I got too old to participate. Little did I know the impact it would make throughout my life. I am now 20 years old, pursuing music at Lee and playing with one of the most fantastic worship teams (in my humble opinion), Public Worship.

   Since that rehearsal, I have been thinking not only about how my life has been impacted by choir, but about who gave their time to invest in the lives of so many children. Though choir helped me in my journey of becoming a musician, it also was a tool to help me learn about teamwork, obedience, and most importantly, about the Gospel. My mother always had a team of volunteers, and they diligently served to direct the choir every week. Their simple act of service to a group of children was their response to the gifts and talents God gave them. It was an act of worship.

   Worship is not just the songs we sing at a Sunday gathering. Like Louie Giglio said, it is how we respond to God and all he has done for us. Romans 12:1 explains it this way:

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

   My question to you today is, how are you worshipping God? Are you daily offering yourself to let God use you for His kingdom? As Christians, we must not be quick to hoard the talents, experiences, or resources God has blessed us with. We respond out of a posture of thankfulness by offering these things back to God to impact those around us. For Public Worship, our response is using (and developing) our God-given musical abilities to lead Public Church to the message and presence of Christ. For the corporate gathering, we respond in both singing praise to an all-deserving God, and listening to Pastor Todd’s message as He guides us in our walk with Christ. 

   Our individual act of worship is how we live day in and day out --offering up our lives for a mission greater than ourselves. Worship God today, and see how He uses you.