Faith Through the Journey

On Sunday morning our pastor introduced the topic of the morning’s sermon, “Worship”. My mind IMMEDIATELY flashed back nearly 40 years to my “Christian Life” course at John Brown University. This was one of the core Bible courses required of each JBU student as part of the graduation requirements. This course required that certain central topics of Christianity be defined and explored. The most challenging assignments were those in which students had to define “worship” and “the glory of God”, using ONLY Scripture. No commentaries or other references were allowed to be used, including students who had taken the course previously. I remember working late into the night, diligently typing my paper on my manual typewriter, laboring over the concept of worship until I finally had what I thought was a good paper. Lo and behold, I got it right! Worship, as derived from Scriptural definition, was “the believer’s response to God for all He has done for us”. I received a high grade for my paper, but more importantly, I STILL remember the definition of worship.

When the pastor went on to define the difference between “praise” and “worship”, a light went on in my head and my heart. Worship can only be given to God by those who belong to Him. Praise can be offered up by anyone, even rocks if no humans will praise! Praise agrees that God is “all powerful, all knowing, all present,” but agreement is NOT worship! Worship is an intensely personal experience, entered into by those who have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This can be expressed in many different ways, but as long as it is a sincere response from the heart of a believer to the goodness of God in their lives, it is acceptable to Him. Some of my most personal worship experiences happen in the dark hours of the night or through the most difficult trials of life. Praise can be given by both believers and unbelievers. 

Thank you, Pastor Jerry, for reminding me of an important life learning experience, and for teaching us that worship and praise are two different things. “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy” (Psalm 99:5).