Getting to the Heart of Worship, pt. 1

"He has put eternity into man's heart" (Eccl. 3:11)

Everyone worships something, because we are created to worship. When I went to India a few years ago, I was struck by many the temples and idols. Poor folks would offer food sacrifices to the god of their choice, often an elephant-like creature with many arms. "Sacred Cows" walked the streets like princes while humans were treated with far less dignity in the nearby barrios. The irony in this culture's value system is striking, but it is so only because we are blind to our own culture. Americans by and large tend to worship self.

For this week's muse, I want to direct you to Mark Driscoll's talk on worship (about 20 minutes) as he introduces several concepts that clarify what worship is. Enjoy the video and take some time to process the questions at the end of the video with someone.



Who worships?

How does the Trinity worship?

What kinds of things can be in the place of glory? (He later calls these "functional saviors)

How does what you worship create your identity?

What did Martin Luther say about worship?

Quotables:

"Taking a good thing and making it an ultimate thing." (This sounds like Tim Keller)

"The opposite of Christianity isn't atheism, it is idolatry." (Peter Kreeft)

1 John 5:21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

"The human heart is an idol factory" (This sounds like Martin Luther)

Personally:
1. What am I offer my heart to as the answer to my heart's greatest longings?

2. Who or what do you love the most?

3. What are you afraid of? (being alone, being unhealthy)

4. What do you make sacrifices for?

5. What do you consider the mediator between you and God? (songs?)

6. What is your actual functional view of heaven? Are you satisfied with Jesus?


For those of you who want more:

Here's a take on our School of Worship's Key verse: Romans 12:1



If you really want more:

Here's the full message on Worship