If #OscarsSoWhite, Is #WorshipSoMusic?

Why is it so important to get an accurate description for what worship really is? Because if we don’t, we end up setting ourselves up to engage in idolatry. You see, religion always wants a physical expression detached from an inward reality. We want an idol to worship or an act to participate in that we can point to and say, “Look, we did it!” If we are not careful, the musical expressions of worship we so highly value at this point in church history could ultimately become an idol to us. If the music you are playing and the songs you are singing are not helping you engage in real “spirit and truth” worship, then you could fall into the trap that many throughout history have fallen into—religious activity without any actual spiritual work taking place.

Even Paul weighs in on this subject in his writings to the Roman believers.

“I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship” (Rom. 12:1).

Your spiritual worship is a presentation of your whole self in every moment of every day. This opens up your options of worship far beyond the musical variety. We worship God when we walk in humility and serve others. We worship God when we take care of the sick, when we respond to those in need and when we give our money. Why is it worship? Because it is responding to both the Spirit of God and the truth of who Jesus is in our lives.

This is one of my favorite descriptions of worship.

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Col. 3:23).

Worship is not a song, a band, a CD, a concert or a conference. Worship is a lifestyle, a living, breathing, day-by-day response to who God is.

However, one of the most important ways we worship is when we gather together in services on a weekly basis. The corporate expression of worship should always be an overflow of the individual daily encounters with Jesus. Just as our personal worship is a natural response to encountering Jesus, the corporate expression is a way for the body of Christ to join in unity and one voice to declare His worthiness together. Don’t misunderstand me, I do believe that music can be one of the most powerful forms of worship when the people who are singing are engaging in “spirit and truth.” Without it, however, it is just religious activity.

So what do you think? What does your life of worship look like? What are the places you can worship God this week outside the musical expression?

Ben Woodward is a worship leader, speaker, author and songwriter from Australia. As you will find out by reading his book You Shall Know the Truth, he is passionate about helping people discover Jesus through worship and prayer. He lives in Kansas City with his wife, Kathryn, and three children, Eliana, Cohen and Paisley.