The Value of Worship

Ben Bailey

In January 2000, Barna Research Group published a survey concerning church attendance that was very alarming.  Their survey showed that only 40% of American adults attend church services on a typical weekend (www.barna.org).   How shocking that 6 out of every 10 people don’t attend church services regularly!  Of the sixty percent who don’t attend church regularly, an estimated twenty percent either don’t believe in God or have no desire for religion.  But what about the other forty percent who don’t attend?  These may not attend church services regularly because they have not realized the inherent value of worship.  What makes worship so valuable?

Our Creator.  A knowledge of and a personal relationship with God makes worship essential to the Christian life.  It is in worship that we praise and magnify God for who He is and what He has done for us (Jn. 4:24).  When worshipping God we realize our purpose in life is to glorify Him in every way (Isa. 43:7).  It is this close communion with God that makes us humble ourselves and focus on eternity (James 4:10, Eccl. 12:13-14).  The Lord’s brother sums it up by saying, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

Our Bible.  Studying the Bible makes worship an invaluable time for us.  Job said, “I have treasured Your words more than my necessary food” (Job. 23:12).  Our Lord encouraged us to “hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matt. 5:6).  Many people today are starving for spiritual food.  Worshipping God through the study and preaching of His word is one way we can fill this void.  Please note that in the Bible, worship is not an option it is a must (Jn. 4:23-24).

Our Impact.  The impact of worship on our own lives and the lives of those whom we contact makes worship vital.  Studies show that those who go to worship live longer.  The factors for this longevity of life are prayer, stress relief, inward peace and acceptance.  Man has always tried to find ways to make life longer.  Here is one proven way to increase the length of one’s life.  Studies also show that the impact worship has on our children is essential.  Barna Research Group found that 61% of those who attended church regularly as a child still attend regularly as an adult.  But sadly 78% of those who were not taken to church as a child do not go to church regularly as an adult.   For the sake of your own soul and the soul of your children please attend worship where the truth is taught.