The Building Blocks of Worship

Some churches struggle because they are driven by an overly intense ministry style. Everyone seems to feel the pressure of doing more, giving more and reaching for more, while rarely acknowledging the blessings God has given. The result is overblown, high-pressure worship that's focused on them. Other churches are permeated with a poverty mentality and seem to never get enough. They're always short-handed for Sunday school, and the worship team struggles with commitment. The pastor and the people feel discouraged, and so forget to be grateful for what they have. Gratitude just fades into the background. The result: weak worship focused on them.

Gratitude is the fuel for life-giving worship because it keeps us focused on the favor and mercy that our God has poured out on our lives. This woman had a revelation of who Jesus was and what he had done. An extravagant show of gratitude was her response.

Humility

Jesus contrasted the woman's actions with Simon's: "You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet" (44-46). Could it be that Simon did not welcome Jesus into his home properly because he was consumed with himself instead of his guest? At the same time he was embarrassed by the show of affection and devotion that this woman displayed.

Humility is inherent in genuine worship. The very nature of worship is the exaltation of Christ and the humbling of self. This woman was not afraid to humble herself before our Lord in front of others, nor was she bound by the risk of embarrassment in a situation where she had much to be ashamed of.

Our own pride is the enemy of worship. Arrogance or high mindedness inhibits our expression of worship. Any embarrassment that we might feel in worship is pride sneaking up on us. If our worship ministries are consumed with anything besides Him, a prideful spirit will not be far off. Music, rehearsals, song selection, even our own biblical expression of praise can become a self-absorbed trap where the focus is on us rather than on Him. This sinful woman was not concerned about the opinions of others; she simply surrendered to making Jesus the focus of her worship. Her worship was simply all about Him.

Desperation. Gratitude. Humility -- Three heart postures that can transform your worship and your church. You can't approach the Lord unless you're willing to empty yourself of yourself. You can't enter His gates with thanksgiving unless you understand what a miracle forgiveness is. And there will be no great display of devotion without a sense of desperation. These are three powerful building blocks for a strong foundation in our worship ministries and our churches.