Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We come each Lord’s Day for corporate worship. Do we know the meaning of worship and the God whom we worship? Do we prepare ourselves physically and spiritually when coming together for worship each Lord’s Day? How much liberty should we exercise in our worship practices and in conforming to the "contemporary" styles of worship practised by many today?

The word "worship" means "to kiss the hand of", "to bow down towards" or "to pay homage" to someone, signifying humble adoration and the idea of giving something special to someone. Worship then, is fellowship with God together with the exaltation and the giving of praise and honour due to Him. For our God-Jehovah, indeed, is Creator of heaven and earth, King of kings, holy and pure. "Exalt ye the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy" (Ps 99:5).

It is only appropriate then that our worship must be exercised with the highest decorum and honour to such a glorious Lord. Not man-centred, but God-centred. Not according to the whims and fancies of man but according to principles contained in the Bible. Ex 20:1-17 speaks about keeping the Lord’s Day holy and a day of rest. John 4:22-25 tells us that God is a spirit and we are to worship Him in spirit and in truth. 1 Cor 14:33 instructs order in worship.

Anything that is of importance always requires some form of preparation. We rarely can rush into something impulsively and do it well. Worship is no exception. It is necessary that we as believers prepare our hearts for worship the way, perhaps, by analogy, we dress up for a formal dinner with the President or any VIP. Preparation begins the night before. We must retire to bed early so that we can be fresh and ready for worship the next day.

It is imperative that we come early for worship and to prepare our hearts and mind in prayer. Lateness is an affront to God and is a bad testimony to worshippers. Reverence and the fear of God behoves us to be dressed appropriately and be early before Him in holy worship.

Correct, biblical, sound worship is fundamental and needful for the vitality and spiritual health of our church. Ever since the days of Cain and Abel, there has been enmity between the practitioners of unapproved worship and the true worshippers of the Lord. Let us then pray for discerning spirits and hearts that we may give glory that is due unto our Lord.

Your Servant in Christ,
Elder Handson Fu