Going organic has become a pretty big deal. So big a deal that people are willing to drive the extra mile or pay the extra dollar (or five) for it.
The dictionary defines organic as “constitutional or inherent in the basic structure of something; fundamental.” So those who take the extra measures to get it want to be assured of getting a product that’s “as nature intended.” I’m slowly getting on board with this idea as I learn more about why I need to avoid the unnatural or tainted products and see the value inherent in a truly natural one.
So what if we applied that concept to worship – what would organic worship look like?
How could we have worship that’s pure, untainted – as God intended?
I believe organic worship would be worship that’s grounded and nourished in the pure word of God. That’s where we can get to know God intimately so we can offer Him what He deserves. It’s where we realize His love, learn His ways, and discover His purposes. It’s where we hear the story of His pursuit of us and His call for us to pursue Him in response. And it’s where we learn how to live a life that’s Spirit-filled, striving to keep short accounts with God regarding sin and allowing the Spirit to guide our day-to-day life – including our worship. It’s beautiful and mysterious.
The Bible is also where God reveals His purpose for us as His worshipers. It’s where we get to eaves drop on the first worshipers’ passionate responses to their God – hear their hearts and see their faith. And it’s where we get a glimpse of His amazing response back to them.
I believe that if we take in all that His word has for us regarding worship (which is a lot), that we won’t want to settle for the status quo – of either ignorance, apathy, or callousness. A focus on ritual, self, or anything else other than our Almighty God just won’t cut it. We won’t want tainted worship anymore, because the real thing tastes so much better and accomplishes so much more. We won’t want to get hung up on the things that don’t really matter or that seriously hinder us, because we’ll just want to get to the throne of the God of the Bible.
Remember – the WORD is ALIVE! (Hebrews 4:12) It pierces our hearts. It diminishes the glories of this world and raises the glories of our King – giving us a greater passion to worship Him!
And the cost? Yes, it costs more. If we haven’t had to go the extra mile to get there, chances are it isn’t organic. True worship involves sacrifice – fulfilling all that is required and fighting the things that defile. But once we understand the value of true organic worship, there is no cost too high or sacrifice too great. Because we know that He alone is worthy! And because we know that His sacrifice was far greater.
So to pursue organic worship, as God intended:
1) Do your homework: Know what the Bible teaches regarding God, your relationship to Him, and pure worship.
“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word,
so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet.2:2). “O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me;
Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your dwelling places” (Psalm 43:3).
2) Pay attention to the source: Invite and allow the Holy Spirit’s reign in your life and guidance of your worship.
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1).
“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father
in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit,
and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).
3) Don’t taint it: Pursue a pure, singular focus on your God Almighty in worship.
“Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD
And righteousness from the God of his salvation” (Psalm 24:3-5).
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
“For we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3).
4) Pay the price: Sacrifice the time and attention necessary to pursue an intimate relationship with God and to worship Him.
“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is,
the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).
“Willingly I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your name, O LORD,
for it is good” (Psalm 54:6).
That’s all that matters. Pure worship – as God intended. He longs for us to pour out all that we are in worship to Him – unrestrained, unabashed – just as He first gave Himself to us. Just as the Bible reveals.
It’s worth the cost. Jesus is worth the cost. GO ORGANIC!
QUESTION: What do you believe is the greatest challenge to having pure, Biblical worship?
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