This month we will continue to explore spiritual disciplines. Donald Whitney (2014) in his book, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress Publishing Group, 2014, identified spiritual disciplines as scriptural practices that lead to spiritual growth and godliness (Whitney, 6).

We recently came out of the Lenten season. We celebrated the arrival of the King of Kings on a donkey on Palm Sunday. We remembered Christ’s sacrifice on the cross as the Suffering Servant on Good Friday. We worshiped the risen Lord on Resurrection Sunday. We continue to worship the Lord because God is worthy of all our praise every day.

Worship is the next Spiritual Discipline we will talk about. Whitney provides us with his definition of worship. Whitney states, “To worship God means to ascribe the proper worth to God, to magnify His worthiness of praise, or better, to approach and address God as He is worthy” (101). Let’s examine Whitney’s definition a little closer. What does it mean to “ascribe” to God His proper worth? One way to uncover the worth of something or someone is to do some background study or research on a subject. Where can we find information about God? This brings us right back to where we started in studying the Spiritual Disciplines. The Bible, the Word of God, is God’s revelation of Himself. When we read God’s Word we learn about God’s nature, God’s character, and all His works. Revelations 4:11 states, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (ESV).

John 4:24 reveals more to us about worship. “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Worshiping God in spirit is a result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in everyone who has accepted Christ as Savior. The Holy Spirit teaches us and instructs us through the Scriptures the truth of Jesus Christ. Whitney points out, “Worship in truth is worship according to the truth of Scripture” (107).

Worship is expressed in many ways and is not limited to the four walls of the church. It is a joyous time when we gather for public worship. We are not to neglect coming together as a body of believers as the writer of Hebrews declares. However, we can also worship God no matter where we are. We worship God by living obedient and godly lives. Our submission to God is an act of worship. Paul stated, “[P]resent your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom. 12:1). When we serve others, give generously, study God’s Word, or share the good news with others, we are worshiping God.

We look forward to the day when all he redeemed of the Lord gather around the throne and declare, “Hallelujah! For the Lord, our God the Almighty reigns” (Rev 19:6). Until that day comes, let’s make it part of our Spiritual Discipline to worship daily the King of kings and Lord of lords. Amen!