THE UNIVERSITY OF Kentucky basketball team won the National Championship some years ago.
A few days after the victory there was a celebration in Rupp Arena to honor the team.
The audience cheered for each player when he was introduced.
The fans carried banners.
They painted their faces and proudly wore blue and white outfits.
They tried to get autographs.
I doubt even one fan walked away saying, “That event was a dud; it did nothing for me.”
The event was a success, not because of the performance was great (they didn’t play any basketball at all) or the player’s speeches were inspiring (most of them weren’t very adapt speakers), but because everyone understood why they were there.
The purpose was not to please the fans, but to honor the team.
Many people view worship as though God were the prompter, the leader is the performer, and the congregation is the audience.
In reality, the leader is the prompter, the congregation are the performers, and God is the audience.
We worship to bring glory to God and express our gratitude for His goodness.
Our goal is to please Him. (Bob Russell, When God Builds A Church, 42).
“Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psa. 29:2; cf. 95:6-7a; Rev. 14:7).
“God loves you and I love you and that’s the way it’s gonna be!” – Mike
INCARNATE 