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Are We Truly Worshipping God or Just Going

Through the Motions?
Sixbert SANGWA • July 13, 2024

In today's world, many people engage in acts of worship and adoration that often focus more on the physical
experience rather than the spiritual one. Activities such as singing gospel music, speaking in tongues, lighting
candles, raising hands, kneeling down, weeping, shouting, waving ags and cloths, and closing their eyes
during services are common. While these actions appear as acts of devotion, they can sometimes detract from
the true essence of worship. Genuine worship is not merely about external actions or the place where these
actions take place; it is a sincere expression of our love and reverence for God, directed by the Holy Spirit. True
worship is about worshipping in spirit and truth, as Jesus said in John 4:24, "God is spirit, and his worshipers
must worship in the Spirit and in truth."

While music can be a powerful form of expression, it is not the mere act of singing songs that mention Jesus or
God that constitutes genuine praise or worship. The Bible emphasizes the importance of worshipping in spirit
and truth. Colossians 3:16 encourages us to "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach
and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God
with gratitude in your hearts." The focus should be on the message and the gratitude in our hearts, not just the
words we sing. True worship involves a lifestyle that re ects God's glory in every aspect, as stated in Romans
12:1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to o er your bodies as a living
sacri ce, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

Moreover, physical expressions such as raising hands, kneeling, weeping, and shouting are common in many
worship settings. While these actions can be meaningful, they should stem from genuine reverence and
connection with God rather than being performed for the sake of appearance. Jesus warned against outward
displays of piety: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the
synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in
full" (Matthew 6:5). Lighting candles, waving ags, and using special cloths are other elements often
incorporated into worship. These symbols can enhance the worship experience, but they should not replace a
heartfelt connection with God. Worship must transcend physical symbols and be rooted in a deep, personal
relationship with the Creator.

Many people also erroneously believe that dancing in church is inherently di erent from dancing in a pub or
other secular settings. The key di erence lies not in the location but in the purpose and spirit behind the
dance. Dancing to glorify God should be an act of worship, done with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving, as
opposed to dancing for mere entertainment or self-grati cation. Matthew 15:8-9 says, "These people honor me
with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human
rules." This passage reminds us that God looks at the heart and the intentions behind our actions.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 teaches us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. "Do you not know that your
bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." Worship is not con ned to a speci c place
or set of actions but is a continual act of honoring God with our entire being. True worship is re ected in how
we live our daily lives, not just in our actions during a church service.

Humility is a cornerstone of true worship. James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift
you up." When we approach God with a humble heart, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and our need
for His grace. This humility transforms our worship from mere ritual to a genuine encounter with the Divine.

In recent years, there has been a shift towards more contemporary and experiential forms of worship. While
these can enhance the worship experience, they can also lead to a focus on the external rather than the
internal. It is essential to balance modern practices with the timeless truths of Scripture. As Romans 12:2
advises, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

At the heart of true worship is a personal relationship with God. This relationship is nurtured through prayer,
reading the Bible, and living a life that re ects God's love and grace. John 15:5 emphasizes this connection: "I
am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you
can do nothing." True worship ows from this intimate relationship with God. One of the most signi cant
dangers in worship is hypocrisy. Jesus warned against this in Matthew 6:1: "Be careful not to practice your
righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in
heaven." True worship is not about impressing others but about honoring God with sincerity and truth.

In conclusion, true worship is a matter of the heart and spirit. It is not about the physical actions we perform or
the place where we perform them. As believers, we must focus on worshipping God in spirit and truth, allowing
our lives to be a testament to His glory. Let us strive to honor God with our hearts, minds, and bodies,
recognizing that every aspect of our lives can and should be an act of worship. By doing so, we can experience
the fullness of God's presence and live a life that truly glori es Him. Worship is not con ned to speci c acts or
locations but is a continual expression of our devotion to God in everything we do.

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