Scottish Baptist Lay Preachers Association

Florence MacKenzie (Aberdeen Christian Fellowship)

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.”
John 4:23 (New International Version)
 
Balance is such an important part of successful living.  Whether it’s about eating a healthy diet; or juggling career and family commitments; or making sure we don’t overspend, we need to have balance.  Without it, we run the risk of being physically unfit; spending too much time at our work; or getting into serious financial debt.  Balance keeps everything in its proper place.  Whenever we live imbalanced lives, something – or someone – always suffers. 

Balance is also necessary in worship.  Probably the most direct comment about the importance of balanced worship comes from Jesus[1] when he talks about worshipping God in spirit and truth.  If we are committed to biblical truth only at an intellectual level, and don’t allow our spirits to be changed by that truth, then our worship will be out of balance.  Similarly, if our spirits are touched by our worship experiences, but biblical truth is of secondary importance to us in the process, we are again out of balance.  What we need is worship that is both true and touches our spirits.  The bible tells us that God is actually looking for people who will worship him like that.  He is more concerned with who we worship than with where we worship.e is h  Do you want to be one of these people?  If so, you might find the following suggestions helpful. 

Worship in spirit – this includes responding to what we experience of God – not just with our intellects, but with our bodies and emotions as well.  Several verses in Psalm 63 highlight various responses that might be included as we worship God in spirit.  Here are some of the words the psalmist uses in his worship: “earnestly”; “thirsts”; “longs”; “praise”; “lifting up hands”; “clings”; “rejoice”.  How many of these feature regularly in our worship?  Do we worship God passionately or mechanically?  Does our worship impact the way we live from day to day?  Do we regularly take time out to worship privately as well as with other followers of Christ?  Is our worship of God a Sunday thing or a full-time thing?  How we answer these questions might reveal quite a lot about whether or not we are worshipping in spirit.           

Worship in truth – this includes responding to what we know about God and involves having a correct appreciation of who he is.  There are many passages in the bible that tell us what God is like and we know that these descriptions of him are true.  For example, he is almighty[2]; compassionate[3]; faithful[4]; holy[5]; merciful[6]; and sovereign[7].  Try focusing on these, and other, characteristics of God as you worship.  Another way that might help you worship in truth is to familiarise yourself with some of the commands and promises given in the bible and incorporate them into your worship.  An example might be Deuteronomy 31:6, where we’re told that our God goes with us and will never leave nor forsake us.  That is a very comforting truth to hold on to and, as a result, we can consciously worship God as the One whom we can rely on completely.  Another example might be Matthew 11:28, where Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to him for rest.  When we think we’ve reached the end of our rope, this verse reminds us that we can approach him in worship as the God who restores our soul.  Try identifying additional bible verses that will deepen your understanding of what God is like.   

Worshipping in spirit and truth is a question of balance.  Once we start worshipping in truth (responding to what we know about God) we mustn’t forget to also worship in spirit (responding to what we experience of God).  I want my worship of God to be wholehearted and genuine – how about you?    

[2] 2 Corinthians 6:18

[3] Psalm 145:8

[4] Deuteronomy 7:9

[5] Revelation 4:8

[6] Luke 6:36

[7] Psalm 68:20