Define 'Worship'

[shazeep]

What does worship mean to you?

[shazeep]

Is it the image we all surely get, that of a bowed knee, or lying prostrate before God, in supplication? Ever since Monty Python--at least--this has struck me as inadequate; yet i think we have Scripture that gives this impression, right? On the other hand, 'worship' and 'follow' translate to the same word, in Hebrew, i guess. Is there a wrong way to worship? A right way?

[KeptByTheWord]

Worship to me means many things. It can be silent adoration towards the Creator as I gaze at the beauty in the world He has created as I watch a magnificent sunset spread its colors across the sky, or watch the hummingbirds with their quick movements with wings that appear almost invisible, or in the toss of a horse's head as he gallops gracefully along, or it can just be in hearing the simple laugh of a child.

Worship can also be just myself alone in His presence with the joy that comes only from friendship with the King of Kings.

Worship can be when songs of praise are lifted with many voices raised in one accord, and hearts are lifted in honor to the King of Kings.

Worship of our Lord is something that can be experienced in a multitude of different venues, atmospheres, and places. The most important thing in worship of the Lord is that the heart is giving praise and honor to the Creator and Savior.

Of course the, word worship is used many times throughout scripture. Here are just a few scriptures about worshiping the Lord:

Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

Psalms 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Psalms 86:9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

And perhaps the most quoted one:

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

[shazeep]

ok, these are great ways to get at the definition of 'worship'--which i suspect has morphed, like every other word. My confusion might stem from its multiple meanings. I was struck by 'follow' in Hebrew being translated 'worship' in English. Haven't really done a Lex on it yet...

[KeptByTheWord]

Interesting. Certainly, I can see how follow could also mean worship, and how vitally important it is to be following and worshipping Jesus, instead of something else, which could lead into a discussion of what is idolatry, which is shown by the Bible to be worshiping, or following of other gods.

[shazeep]

ya--it's like there are (at least) two valid definitions of worship; which doesn't seem too out of line, there being a physical and a spiritual aspect; but "worship in vain?" "Follow" seems def out as the meaning there (and a Lex of "worship" goes nowhere near 'follow;' but into 'kiss the hand,' obeisance-type stuff...) hmm

[KeptByTheWord]

Worship really only belongs to the Lord. To worship or follow anything created, rather than the Creator, is idolatry.

[shazeep]

well, i certainly agree from a spiritual standpoint; but we live in a fallen world? We have to eat (i think we do, anyway), seek shelter, feed children...and so it seems we are made to follow, at least, if not exactly spiritually follow, or worship, our boss, or vocation...can one justify being an atom bomb maker to the Lord? How about working at McDonald's for God?