When considering the subject of the first blog post to be uploaded to the site, nothing stands out as more central to the intended purpose of this project than the definition of what worship is and its expression within the Christian life. Indeed, as the blog site tagline suggests, ‘We exist to glorify God through worship’.

The ancient question of ‘What is the meaning of life?’ is one that a Christian should not circumvent, nor answer in uncertain terms. The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins its 107 question and answer manifesto by speaking to this very thing;

Q: 1. What is the chief end of man?
A: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever

– Westminster Shorter Catechism, Originally published April 14, 1649

Let’s simply focus on the first part of the above response in this post. What does it mean to glorify God and what are the scriptural supports for this assertion?

What does it mean to glorify God?

In Isaiah 43:1-7 God exhorts Israel to “Fear not, for I am with you; […] everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory.” God was calling Israel to be distinct from those around them, to live in a way that superseded the wisdom of man. Throughout this full passage God again reminds Israel of all the things he has done for them and how this should offer them comfort in difficult times, for he both loves and sustains them.

But this is not just true of Israel. Inasmuch as they were declared a holy people in the Old Testament, so are we today as Christians. Like Israel, we are called to be set apart and to glorify God in our lives. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

How do we glorify God?

In all things! “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) What else then is worship than living in full submission to him who offers the quenching water of life? To die to oneself in order that we may truly live in the freedom of Christ and his provisions.

We have the opportunity to worship on Sunday mornings through singing and fellowship with the saints. We have the opportunity to worship on Monday mornings when we work with diligence and thankfulness at our workplace. We have the opportunity to worship when we see brokenness in the eyes of the lost and offer friendship, encouragement and the gospel.

Worship is more about looking outwards toward a damaged world and breathing the life of Christ into both the pain and the mundane to create something beautiful. We would do well to embrace worship as an existence that requires our all before picking up our instrument to lead our congregation in singing. Let’s widen our focus and shed the constraints of tying worship to a place or time in our week and allow God to dwell within us so that whatever we do, we do for the glory of God so that others may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven. Amen.