The word “worship” is nowhere defined in Scripture. Worship is defined from “proskuneo” meaning to make obeisance, to do reverence to. Worship is an act. It is not an unconscious something or other, not accomplished unthinkingly or accidentally, but by intent and discipline. Worship comes from the heart. While worship is an act, it is not by rote, or a mechanically performed ritual.

A second word that helps understand worship is “latreuo” meaning to serve, to render religious service or homage. It is the worship of a life of service. It is that continual act of the Christian life which Paul expressed in Titus 2:12, “Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world.

Thus worship is not confined to praise or a worship service in a church house. Worship can be a distinct act such as commemorating the Lord’s death in eating the Lord’s supper, which is proskuneo”, or it can be the subjecting of one’s will and life to Christ by consciously keeping His commandments from the heart, which is a “latreuo”.

Inasmuch as worship consists of certain acts and a life of devotion as prescribed by the divine will, it is necessary to conclude that Christian worship has a distinct identity; it can be taught, learned and rendered to God acceptably and beneficially.

“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall 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).”

Today we are challenged to let the scriptures define worship rather than letting the churches around us define worship. Worship is to honor our Father and Jesus Christ. We can feel encouraged and uplifted when we know that we have tried to worship as the scriptures instruct. Then we do not need to be entertained to make us feel closer to God which is man’s concept of worship. The worship defined in the New Testament pleased God in the first century and such worship will today also.
With love, Harold
(This article is adapted from a book titled “The Church of Christ” by Edward Wharton; pages 121-123).