The True Focus of Worship: Revisted

This is the final speech of the series of speeches given by youth for the Youth Speaker Tournament...
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As we look to the stars in the space, we see God’s infinite glory and majesty; as we look back to the creation of the world, we see the timelessness of our Lord; and as we look to the cross, we see His love and mercy for us. However, in our repetitive Sunday morning worship services, we dumb down God to mere feelings in our own hearts: feelings that disappear as we leave the sanctuary. Our worship becomes self-centered, and we lose sight of the glorious and holy God that’s right before our eyes. Our worship also becomes trapped in the walls of the church, and we forget His sovereign plan of sanctification and missions outside of the church.

However, in a sermon in the mid 1720’s, the pastor and theologian, Jonathan Edwards said, “[The] glory of God [does not] consist merely in [man] perceiving His perfections.” Instead, he said, “The essence of glorifying … God consists … in [man’s] rejoicing in God’s manifestations of His beauty.” 1 In Romans 14:17, Paul says, “for the kingdom of God is …joy in the Holy Spirit.” In other words, at the very core of worship is joy: joy in his majesty, joy in his love, and joy in his justice. This joy, however, does not simply refer to earthly happiness. Rather, it is a supernatural joy that comes from a passion and zeal for God which is not just confined to Sunday worship but poured out into our lives.

Some of the most famous leaders of Christian history showed this passion and zeal in their ministries as they left a permanent mark on the church. Martin Luther preached almost daily; he lectured constantly as a professor; he was burdened with the care of all the churches; he was continuously harassed with controversies; and he was one of the most prolific writers of his day. John Calvin preached or lectured every day; he was a pastor, professor, and almost a magistrate; he was overwhelmed with letters from all over Europe; and he was the author of numerous works.2 John Wesley averaged three sermons a day for fifty-four years and preached a total of more than forty-four thousand times; he traveled by horseback more than 200,000 miles; and he still found time to publish countless works on subjects ranging from Christian theology to English history.3 These three well-known theologians and reformers of the Church worked tirelessly for the Lord. They devoted their whole lives to His service with a passion and zeal that must consume our lives to the point that we “present [our] bodies as […] living sacrifice[s]” and allow God’s sovereign grace to mold and sanctify us.

Instead of simple songs in worship, these leaders’ lives were worship to God. In
1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul reminds the church of Corinth that every part of their lives should be devoted to the glory of God. He even goes as far as to say that while we are eating or drinking we should glorify God. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Together, these verses remind us that our deeds should not simply be actions but an act of worship. Works mean nothing without the heart, but where the heart is, works will follow. So, through our deeds, we proclaim the love and might of Christ working through our lives and sanctifying us day by day.

Let me conclude with this story, Dr. Charles Weigle, an evangelist and gospel songwriter, had the opportunity to walk through some of the famous rose gardens of Pasadena, California when the fragrance of the flowers filled the air. Later in the day he arrived at the hotel where a Bible conference was being held. As he took his seat, a man turned to him and said, “Dr. Weigle, I know where you’ve been. You toured one of our lovely gardens, for I can smell the pleasing aroma on your clothing.”

Dr. Weigle replied, “My prayer is that I may walk so closely with the Lord that the fragrance of His grace will pervade my being. I want them to know by my words, my actions, and my songs that I have been with Jesus.”4 And that is the true focus of worship.

1. Edwards, Jonathan. “Nothing Upon Earth Can Represent the Glories of Heaven.” The Works of Jonathan Edwards.

2. Tan, Paul Lee. “Luther and Calvin.” Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations.

3. Tan, Paul Lee. “John Wesley.” Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations.

4. Tan, Paul Lee. “Fragrance of His Presence.” Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations.