By: Dr. Paul Rumrill

Worship is one of man’s basic needs. Throughout history, every man and woman from the most primitive civilizations to the most technologically advanced cultures has operated in worship. Almost all men have, at one time or another in their lives, worshiped themselves. Some have worshiped nature, others material goods, others gods of their own fashioning. Great political leaders of history, as well as war heroes, musicians, and athletes, have been worshiped by men. Many atheists have bowed down and venerated the human will or intellect, or the prevailing philosophies of their age. And still others have worshiped the True and Living God.

One of the most fascinating elements of worship is its association with human choice. God cannot force anyone to worship Him, even though He commands it for our good and the good of Creation. (Cf. Acts 17:24-30; Psalm 99:5, 9) Because worship is a conscious decision of every individual, it is a great spiritual prize. Satan valued it even above all the treasures and kingdoms of the earth, making a fantastic-seeming offer to Jesus: “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” (Matt. 4:9) The ages-old war in the heavenlies between God and Satan is over this question: Who has lordship and dominion over creation? Who will receive worship? Satan, though defeated by Jesus, still craves the worship of men and angels to help fulfill his rebellious lusts. God does not seek worship in and of itself but worshipers — the hearts behind the worship. He has a consuming desire for people to draw near to Him and know Him, and recognizes that it will only come to pass as they make a heart-decision to worship Him — not only with the mouth and hands on Sundays, but by involving the Lord in every part of their lives.

The truth is this: worship cannot be turned off. It can only be channeled, or directed. It is completely relegated by the human will and heart. And of course, genuine worship is never determined by an outward posture or spoken words. Many people have honored the True and Living God on the outside while thoughts on the inside told an entirely different story. Jesus condemned the religious leaders of His generation for such a pose: “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophecy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me…’” (Matt. 15:9) In this passage, Jesus refers to vain, or false worship, in God’s eyes.

Therefore, there is a call from the throne room of God today for true worshipers. Jesus refers to it in His talk with the Samaritan woman at the well: “The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (John 4:23) You yourself can become a true worshiper today — right now. How? By submitting to the Lord Jesus Christ in every area of your life, understanding that because He rose from the dead as absolute Lord over everything, you can live a life pleasing to Him—as He helps you. That’s one of the foundations of true worship.

Part of the Christian’s life of faith is this: we do not have to have strong feelings that yearn to please God before submitting to Him. If part of us still feels like it wants to hate people, or avoid prayer, or be proud or selfish or self-pitying, we can still submit ourselves to God by a decision of our will. We can trust that He will make us more honorable, more pleasing, more teachable, more forgiving—more Christlike. It isn’t really our job to change ourselves, but to ask for help from the One who can even transform hearts of stone.

Those who put their trust in Jesus Christ—allowing Him to guide them in eternal and temporal matters—these are the worshipers that our God cherishes. Will you choose to honor Him in your thoughts, motives, words, and actions today? Will you seek the truths of Scripture and make the decision to practice those truths? Will you heed the loving call of a Father—will you worship Him in spirit and truth?

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Dr. Paul Rumrill received his DMA in piano performance from the Eastman School of Music, and his BA and MM degrees from the University of Connecticut. He currently teaches music theory, piano and worship arts at the Center for Worship on the campus of Liberty University. On Sundays, he serves as Creative Arts Pastor at Dan River Church in Danville, VA, a satellite campus of Thomas Road Baptist Church