We live during an age known as the “entitlement age.” In other words, mankind feels as though he is entitled to certain blessings regardless of whether he works for them or not. For example, many believe they are entitled to have food, whether they work for it or not. These same ones often feel as though they are entitled to someone giving them shelter, even if they are lazy and unwilling to fulfill certain requirements. In fact, “I deserve that” is a phrase that is often heard or at least portrayed by some.
This mentality has entered into the arena of worship as well. Sadly, many believe that worship is about them and what they like or do not like. Ironically, even some leaders in the church have become more concerned with offending someone than offending God. This is clearly seen in leaders catering to the whims of people instead of appealing to the Word of God. While it should never be our intent to purposefully offend others, we must first be concerned with what God desires. Worship is not about us, it is all about God! Worship is not about my personal comfort or what I prefer or do not prefer. The question we must answer is, “Why should we worship?” Why do we worship the Creator and Sustainer of Heaven and Earth? Why is it all about Him and not about me?
Firstly, it is about God because God is consecrated! The idea of “consecration” from the biblical perspective refers to holiness and purity. God is holy; it is one of His fundamental characteristics. The Psalmist knew full well as he penned, “Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy” (Psalm 99:5). Just a few verses later, the Psalmist emphasized this point again (Psalm 99:9). We worship God because He is worthy of our soul’s adoration, for He alone is holy, consecrated and pure! Because God is infinitely holy, He deserves our adoration. Notice carefully, He does not need our adoration, but He rightfully deserves it! God is still God whether or not I recognize Him as such! “Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things” (Acts 17:25). Worship is all about Him because God is consecrated!
Secondly, it is about God because God is caring! God’s care, kindness and benevolent nature ought to cause each of us to fall before His throne and praise His great name! I can relate to the Psalmist’s query, “What is man that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visit him?” (Psalm 8:4). Part of what makes worship real is to recognize our nothingness and God’s greatness! “You visit the earth and cause it to overflow; You greatly enrich it; The stream of God is full of water; You prepare their grain, for thus You prepare the earth” (Psalm 65:9). How could anyone read such a verse and then come away feeling that worship is about them? Worship flows from a thankful heart. When one truly considers all that God has done, is doing and will do, heartfelt praise must be the result! Worship is all about Him because God is caring!
Thirdly, it is about God because God is capable! God’s love wants to bless us; His wisdom knows how to bless us, and His power enables Him to bless us. God is capable! Paul reminded brothers and sisters in Philippi, “But my God shall supply all your need according to riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19; cf., Ephesians 3:20). When we fail to recognize God’s omnipotent nature, we fail to worship properly. Sadly, far too many pews are filled with sleeping saints who have no idea how powerful God is! The “Great I Am” is present, and yet, our worship is often merely ritual and less than spiritually stimulating. Those in Malachi’s day forgot God’s capability to the point that regarding worship, “Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it…” (Malachi 1:13a). Worship had become drudgery for them. What a picture of many congregations today. Worship is all about Him because God is capable!
God will not accept the “entitlement” mentality in worship. God is not concerned with what I like or prefer. He is the audience, and as such, we worship Him and Him alone (Matthew 4:10). When we worship, we ought to tremble because we are treading on Holy ground. The next time you approach God Almighty in worship, keep in mind, “The LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him” (Habakkuk 2:20). Remember, it is not about you or me, but it’s all about Him!
