Sunday Seed Thoughts: The Power of Worship

“The church doesn’t need more workers; it needs more worshipers,” once quipped Howard Hendricks.

I found that quote in my “worship” folder apart from the greater context. However, I doubt that Hendricks was diminishing the importance of working for the Lord, or minimizing the role of ministry, but rather elevating and emphasizing the power of worship.

Heartfelt worship is incredible. It lifts us up to a higher level of spirituality. It challenges us to be more than we are. It inspires us to deeper intimacy with the Lord. It creates within us a greater desire for holiness, righteousness, and godliness.

Of course, attending a worship service is not the same as really worshiping. If we just go through the motions, without much thought or little feeling, our “worship” becomes rote, ritualistic, and mundane. If that becomes the norm, then there’s little incentive to leave the building enthusiastically humming, “I want to be a worker for the Lord.”

It’s often been said in various ways that we become what we worship. “There is no doubt,” wrote Rick Atchley, “that whom you worship determines who you are.” When we know who God is and seek to worship Him “in spirit and in truth,” we become more like Him. Thus, we seek to serve Him.

Possibly, Hendricks is suggesting that when we worship as God directed it motivates us to greater service. Maybe when we magnify the fervor of our worship, then the challenge to find more workers will automatically take care of itself.

I wonder, could worship that’s more engaging, energetic, and enthusiastic result in greater commitment? Deeper devotion? Stronger faith? Reinforced hope? Wider love? More meaningful ministry? And increased evangelistic outreach?

As you ponder these thoughts, consider the connection between fervent worship and faithful service from the lyrics of this Philip Bliss hymn.

More holiness give me,
More sweetness within,
More patience in suff’ring,
More sorrow for sin,
More faith in my Savior,
More sense of His care,
More joy in His service,

More gratitude give me,
More trust in the Lord,
More zeal for His glory,
More hope in His Word,
More tears for His sorrows,
More pain at His grief,
More meekness in trial,
More praise for relief.

More victory give me,
More strength to o’ercome,
More freedom from earth-stains,
More quest for the throne,
More fit for the kingdom,
More useful I’d be,
More blessed and holy,
More, Savior, like Thee.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman