10-08-2022 11:36pm

Strong spirits: every person becomes the image of the god they adore

Photo: Andrew Yee

What is worship? And why do it? And if you do it, how and when?

I believe that much of what we call worship is really just being religious - going through the motions we've learned in our religious life. But often, there is one key thing lacking... encounter.

Worship is what happens when we encounter God. When we in our brokenness and pain and sin have a personal encounter with the One who loves us most, despite all of that. I believe he is longing for that encounter, and the only question is, are we?

Worship need not be complex or extravagant. It can be as simple as a whisper. Telling God we need him, we love him, offering him thanks and praise. All of this brings us into his presence and the encounter we so desperately need.

And the fruit of worship? Service. The glad and joyful helping of others. All because we met the one who loves us most. Try it!

"Come let us sing for joy to the Lord!" Psalm 95:1

"Every person becomes the image of the god they adore." Thomas Merton

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.