True Worship or True Wanderer...

Worship- A feeling of profound love and admiration. (word net web). Turning our lives toward the One whom we believe to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life (ayneumc.org). Living our lives individually and corporately as living sacrifices to the glory of a person or thing. (theresurgence.com).

Wander- to deviate in conduct, belief, to go astray: to move, pass, or turn idly. to stray from a path, to ramble without a definite purpose or objective.

True- real; genuine; authentic; honest; conforming to or consistent with a standard, pattern, or the like. (dictionary.com).

Happy New Year Everyone!!! So after reading these three definitions, what is your first reaction/thoughts? Lately, I have really been thirsty for a greater understanding of what true worship is and to live a lifestyle of it. You know the worship that Jesus talks about in John 4:23 - 24. I have learned that there have been times when I thought I was worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth (SAT) and indeed, I was not!

The reason why I gave the definition for wandering is because the times that I was not worshipping God in SAT, was because I had strayed from the true purpose and act of worship. We do this often believe it or not. Let me give you a few examples of mistakes we make that cause us to be "true wanderers" instead of "true worshippers":

• Not knowing what worship is and how to worship.
• Not dealing with things in our heart that need to be removed (not repenting).
• To stray from the true purpose and meaning of our existence.
• Putting others or things before God.
• Mastering what looks like worship to others (lifting of hands, dancing, shouting praises), without our hearts even being genuine.
• Thinking that Worship is only limited to songs and emotions.

It is so easy for us to shift our focus from God and onto something else, that's why we must ask Him to help us to fully surrender. Holy Spirit will actually show us those areas that God wants to refine, it's up to us to respond! When we think about it, it truly is an honor for God to desire our worship. Let me repeat that: God in all His greatness and all that He has so freely given us, desires us to worship Him. So, instead of offering up a half-hearted praise or worshipping other things instead of God, lets worship HIM in Spirit and in Truth!

Let me ask you this question: Are you a true worshipper or a true wanderer?