By: Tim Woods | Dec 17, 2023
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16 (NJKV)
Why do we come to worship? There is a huge difference between just “showing up” and “worship.”
Spirit and Truth
First, we see the Word of Christ dwelling in us, richly in all wisdom—Christ in us, worshiping in spirit and truth. There’s a difference between “making a presence” at church and being “present” worshiping in Spirit and truth. To worship in Spirit and truth relates to the environment and content God gives us. We can worship everywhere the Spirit is and according to the truth in Jesus.
When adult Christians are distracted and disconnected from why we come to worship, what message are we sending our youth? They are watching and learning how to engage or not engage in church. When we just “make a presence,” we are raising a generation that is further disconnected from God.
I’m sure everyone can remember when the teacher would call out your name and take attendance at school. Most of the students would barely speak up; they didn’t want to be there. They were forced to go, or they knew it was the right thing to do and, therefore, did just enough to get by. And then there was always that one kid. You know the one. The one that was about to explode every morning with excitement. The one that was there to learn as much as possible. The one that wanted to be engaged in every school activity. He or she was always excited to take a test. The one that had to be forced to go home and couldn’t wait to return when the doors opened again.
We need to be that kid because that is what it looks like to be “present.” When you’re “present” for worship, you want to hear what God has in store for you. You want to be engaged and learn how to serve God almighty. You are excited and full of gratitude because God sent His Son just for you! You put Him first in your life and want to share His love with others. If the doors are open, you can’t wait to get there!
Teaching and Admonishment
Second, we see teaching and admonishment (put into mind, instruct, or warn) are noted together. The Word of God not only teaches but also exposes errors and guides us in how to correct those errors. As a part of the Church, we should be committed to doing this as well as being instructed, mutually, by one another. The words or the hard truth we speak to others can’t be done only through emotions. There is no agenda to prove. You’re not mad at them and calling them out. It is based only on God’s Word, nothing else. We are to speak the truth in love, with all wisdom.
Transformative Singing
Third, Paul encourages singing not only for personal edification but also to instruct and admonish one another. Singing is to be done with thanksgiving and gratitude. It unites us as the church and keeps us in step with the Spirit.
So, why do we come to worship? Contact with other Christians isn’t just a suggestion. We are commanded as we come together for worship to encourage one another to grow in faith. Worshiping teaches us to surrender all to God. We worship because of who He is and what He has done for us. We gather to extol God and His glory. We worship where the Spirit is and according to the truth in Jesus Christ. We gather for teaching and admonishment. We unite in transformative singing not only for personal edification but also for instruction with thanksgiving and gratitude to one another.
Which category are you in, “making a presence” or “present?” God can spot the difference. He isn’t concerned about your outward appearance; He is looking at what motivated you. He’s looking at your heart. Do you attend to make your presence known, or are you present to worship Him in Spirit and truth?
About the Author
Tim Woods is a guest contributor. He lives in West Frankfort, Illinois. He works in youth ministry at First Christian Church in West Frankfort, IL and is furthering his studies at Veritas Theological Seminary.
Copyright 2023. Bellator Christi.
