WORSHIP...
I had not heard this word used until later in life when I had joined myself to religious circles. My initial idea of it was most likely similar to yours. While this idea is not wrong, it is indeed incomplete.
What comes to mind when you encounter the word ‘worship’? Standing, singing, praying, raising hands, lifting up our voices, fellowshipping… these things may be an effect of ‘worship', but if my understanding is based on this, then my understanding is limited or partial or fragmented. If this is my vue, than my worship may change with the winds of circumstance.
The word ‘worship’ comes from a compound of two Greek words. The first word means ‘forward, toward, by the side of or near to’. The second word means ‘dog’, with the idea of a dog crouching down and licking his masters hand. Consider these two words together and have eyes and ears to perceive what they mean.
Rather than trying to describe this in detail to you in the hopes of having you gain an understanding, something different came to mind for this message.
Do you own a dog? If so, learn who the dog has received as its master and give attention to the relationship between the two. I have learned over the past 10 years with my dog Noah, exactly what this word ‘worship’ means. It has left me with little doubt and confusion as to what it means to ‘worship’ a master. Do this for some time and let me know what you see. I would like to hear of your findings. If you do not own a dog, then write back to me and we can share some things. Otherwise, I expect that your dog will not fail to provide you with a perfect illustration of what it means to ‘worship’.
As you may already know, dogs to not often stand, sing, pray, raise hands or fellowship (knowingly). They lift up their voice, but it generally has to do with the presence of strangers or the lack of food.
I hope your mind is opened to the true meaning of worship and that you will be able to move beyond the elementary ideas that are shared among most. You will find that ‘worshipping’ is a continuous moving alongside of something. Keeping your eyes and awareness and attention on it, watching its every move and being ready to respond to its voice and call. ‘Worshipping’ becomes an instinct and an involuntary response to the love of a master. It does not need to be scheduled or part of a routine or learned or practiced or ushered in by a speaker on stage. It happens because of the strength and ability of love. Although there may be unresponsiveness and rebellion at times, it is unconditional and cannot be turned off. A dog does not know how to hate his master or withhold his affection. It only knows how to follow him and lick his hand out of obedience and affection when he is alongside of him.
As surely as the rain is connected to the clouds, you and I are ‘worshipping’ something. We are giving our attention and awareness and obedience to something. We are continuously moving alongside by our desires and affections and fears. What are we worshipping?
Wisdom may come through all things in creation if only we would have eyes to see and ears to hear. Let your dog help you in this - I did.
Worship God alone my friend.
Switchvues
What comes to mind when you encounter the word ‘worship’? Standing, singing, praying, raising hands, lifting up our voices, fellowshipping… these things may be an effect of ‘worship', but if my understanding is based on this, then my understanding is limited or partial or fragmented. If this is my vue, than my worship may change with the winds of circumstance.
The word ‘worship’ comes from a compound of two Greek words. The first word means ‘forward, toward, by the side of or near to’. The second word means ‘dog’, with the idea of a dog crouching down and licking his masters hand. Consider these two words together and have eyes and ears to perceive what they mean.
Rather than trying to describe this in detail to you in the hopes of having you gain an understanding, something different came to mind for this message.
Do you own a dog? If so, learn who the dog has received as its master and give attention to the relationship between the two. I have learned over the past 10 years with my dog Noah, exactly what this word ‘worship’ means. It has left me with little doubt and confusion as to what it means to ‘worship’ a master. Do this for some time and let me know what you see. I would like to hear of your findings. If you do not own a dog, then write back to me and we can share some things. Otherwise, I expect that your dog will not fail to provide you with a perfect illustration of what it means to ‘worship’.
As you may already know, dogs to not often stand, sing, pray, raise hands or fellowship (knowingly). They lift up their voice, but it generally has to do with the presence of strangers or the lack of food.
I hope your mind is opened to the true meaning of worship and that you will be able to move beyond the elementary ideas that are shared among most. You will find that ‘worshipping’ is a continuous moving alongside of something. Keeping your eyes and awareness and attention on it, watching its every move and being ready to respond to its voice and call. ‘Worshipping’ becomes an instinct and an involuntary response to the love of a master. It does not need to be scheduled or part of a routine or learned or practiced or ushered in by a speaker on stage. It happens because of the strength and ability of love. Although there may be unresponsiveness and rebellion at times, it is unconditional and cannot be turned off. A dog does not know how to hate his master or withhold his affection. It only knows how to follow him and lick his hand out of obedience and affection when he is alongside of him.
As surely as the rain is connected to the clouds, you and I are ‘worshipping’ something. We are giving our attention and awareness and obedience to something. We are continuously moving alongside by our desires and affections and fears. What are we worshipping?
Wisdom may come through all things in creation if only we would have eyes to see and ears to hear. Let your dog help you in this - I did.
Worship God alone my friend.
Switchvues
