Expressions Of Worship

As I’d mentioned the other day, the employment of the redeemed is worship! We often find it hard to accept people who worship in a way that’s different from ours. However, by the grace of God, I’ve been to different nations and have worshiped God along with people of different colors and cultures. Even in our nation, the style of worship varies from state to state. People who’ve had a cathedral upbringing would feel awkward when in an atmosphere of worship where people shout, dance and rejoice in the Lord. 
The trend of worship has evolved over the years. It was Ps. J V Peter and Ps. V A Thampy who encouraged the use of musical instruments in worship in Kerala. In the U.S, it was Oral Roberts who brought the trend of praise and worship. God is a God of varieties!

Here are some meanings of the Greek and Hebrew words used for the expression of worship which will give us a picture of what God intends by worship - 

• The essence of worship is bowing down or bowing low.
• To kiss the hand of the one who is revered 

This shows that worship should spring from reverential fear, adoring awe and wonder. People across the globe would either sit on the floor or sit on chairs or stand during worship. But God looks at our hearts’ posture more than our physical posture. However, there should be a correlation between our inner attitude and outward expression of worship. Feelings and emotions are the colours of life. If we express our feelings to one another, we certainly can do so to our Creator! Without this inner motivating attitude, God is not pleased with the outward action of praise, service or sacrifice. 

Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied:’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
Though we may not accept people who worship in a way that’s different from ours, God accepts the praises of all His children and loves everyone. The Hebrew/ Greek words used for worship include practical actions like sweeping floors, arranging chairs, cleaning restrooms,etc. 
If God demonstrated His love for us on the Cross, we can by all means choose to love, praise and worship Jesus, the lover of our soul!!