Opus 2026-165: Side Effects of Worship

In theory worship is designed to lift up and praise God.  That is a fine goal but it does not tell the whole story.  There are also a lot of benefits that accrue to the worshipers.

I find that a time of corporate worship develops a greater sense of being a part of the body of Christ.  It is like a mortar that flows through the joints between believers.  It cannot be measured but it can be recognized.

The individual benefits are also multiple.  Worship can improve your clarity of mind and focus.  The experience makers it easier for God to speak to us because we’re listening.  I find that if I don’t know I am being spoken to I miss a lot.  You may have had the experience in which someone is talking to you and you think they are just on their phone, or vise versa.  In that case you don’t miss a lot but you didn’t have a chance for anything because your mind was somewhere else.  When you walk in and open your Bible or hymnal you open the door to communication.   It gives the Holy Spirit a chance

I find it contributes to emotional stability and strength in multiple areas of my life.  There is something about the presence of other believers and the instruments of praise that reach down into our soul and put things into perspective.  That calmness prepares us to deal with life more effectually.

If we listen and apply ourselves it gives us increased knowledge and understanding.  What is not to like in that.

There is also the chance that if you do not know Jesus, salvation may become a reality in your life.  It might even begin a revival in your church and ultimately in the country.

Worship.  If I were writing in Greek that would be in the imperative.  Do it alone on your front porch.  Do it driving in traffic.  Do it in a building set aside for that purpose.  It will be worth your while. 

homo unius libri