A few years ago I got to be part of two different types of worship services in Paris.
First I was fortunate enough to be at the Notre Dame de Paris for a Sunday morning service. I was encouraged to be part of a worship service that gave me a connection with believers from past centuries.
After leaving Notre Dame, I walked alone along the banks of the river. I found a little park nearby to eat some food I had bought. As I was eating I noticed an old man nearby who looked like he was in need of some food. I felt God wanted me to share some of my food with him, so I did. A few moments later I noticed someone else walk up to the same man and share some more food with him.
Was this a different type of worship service?
Romans 12 starts out talking about true and proper worship.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. " (NIV)Romans 12 then goes on talking about how as a body we each have different parts to play (making clear divine truths, serving, encouraging, giving, teaching, leading, showing mercy...) . Above all we are called to love others. I suspect the whole of Romans 12 helps define what true and proper worship looks like.
So in my mind, what happened in the park by the river behind Notre Dame was just as much 'worship service' as what took place inside.
Serving others should be done as an act of worship.
What do you think?
What does the word 'worship' mean to you?
What does the word 'service' mean to you?
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2 comments:
I think you are slightly wrong, Jon. I would say that "what happened in the park by the river behind Notre Dame was more, 'worship service' than what took place inside." But that is just my take on things.
I like the quote from Rev. Hawkes words at Jack Layton's funeral yesterday; "I believe how I live my life everyday is my act of worship." I think if we truly believe that Jesus is worthy, then we will actually live as he taught us to--sharing food with the hungry, etc. Just sitting around (or standing) singing songs isn't what Jesus taught us, or showed us.
Thanks Al. I'm OK with you disagreeing with me on this. :) Inside the Notre Dame there were people worshiping God, I know I was... and I believe it is possible to worship God anywhere and anytime. And to a degree there were people inside serving others as well. But I agree I don't think that is what Jesus or the writers of the New Testament had in mind when they talked of worship and service.
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