It is commonly taught that, when we serve–especially in the church–we are worshipping God. And this may be true, but is it always the case? Are serving and worshipping one and the same thing? And does actively being involved in your church automatically mean you are worshipping the Lord? The answer is no, and although it is not the case that serving and worshipping are mutually exclusive, believing that you are, in fact, worshipping God merely because you are serving in the church is misguided.
Now, before you get offended or worried, no, this does not mean that you cannot worship God through serving and that your service is meaningless. But, it does mean that the idea that you must always be serving in the church in order to be worshipping God is incorrect—serving is a way of showing worship, but there are many forms of worshipping Him in many places (John 4:24). Allow me explain...
Serving More ≠ Worshipping More
Let's first start with a practical problem that can emerge from the idea that when we serve in the church we are automatically worshipping God. One of the issues that arises from this teaching is that it could be taken to mean, by everyday churchgoers, that the more you serve in the church, the more or better you are worshipping God. Surely you can see how this notion can be abused by self-serving leaders who simply want to use people to accomplish their goals, and surely you can see the problems that can manifest from these scenarios.
For example, when people believe they are worshipping God simply by virtue of their service in the church, they will do almost anything to please the Lord they love, which is a good thing. They will be ready to sign up for the next program or activity. But when their service in the church is either changed, no longer needed, nor possible, they may take this as a hindrance to their worship of God, whom, they assume, they cannot worship anymore—especially if serving in the church is the way they liked to worship God. Since they can't serve anymore, they can't worship anymore, so they think. Therefore, a distinction between worship and serving should be maintained.
What If You Can't Serve?
Equating service with worship can produce some unintended conundrums. Suppose you become physically incapable of actively serving in the church, perhaps because you were in an accident or fell extremely ill. Or suppose you had a family member who became a Christian while healthy, and then suddenly became mentally disabled due to an accident. Or suppose you were experiencing poverty, and would be in need of others serving you for a time instead.
Would these circumstances, then, mean that you (or others in similar situations) would not be worshipping God, since service in the church would be difficult, limited, or even impossible? Of course not. While serving in the church is a form of worshipping God, it is not the only way to do so. We can also worship God by giving our lives to Him, evangelizing, praying, reading the Bible, singing, dancing, thanking Him, and even thinking of Him—all of which can be done outside the church. Do not take this, however, to mean that going to church is unimportant; it is of utmost importance in the Christian's life (Hebrews 10:25).
Serving vs. Worshipping
Now, here are biblical reasons why flatly equating service with worship is not wise, nor entirely correct.
1.) In Romans 12:1-2 (the go-to passage on service/worship), the Greek word translated as "worship" comes from the verb latreuo, meaning "to serve, minister to, either to the gods or men, and used alike of slaves and freemen; in the N.T., to render religious service or homage, to worship." That word, however, is more often translated as "service" rather than "worship" in the N.T., and this would be one of the words to use to describe the services we each perform at our churches.
In fact, latreuo is the word used in Hebrews to describe the services that the priests performed in the Temple. Serving is an action you do for someone. But—and here's my main point—it is possible to serve someone without worshipping him/her (Matthew 15:8). Think about the last time you ministered (or served) someone; were you worshipping them? The answer should be "no." Therefore, a different kind of attitude and heart is required when serving God, even if serving at the church.
2.) But now, let' look at what the word translated as "worship" means in the N.T. The word in the Greek is proskyneo, which means "to kiss the hand of, to pay homage to, or to bow down before someone as a symbol of deep reverence and respect." Right away, we see a difference between serving and worshipping, just by looking at the definitions. One only kisses the hand of, or bows down to, royalty...i.e., God, the King of the Highest throne. The word "worship" comes from the Old English word weorthscipe (worth-ship), which basically means "the ascribing of value and worth to someone or something; honor given to someone in recognition of their merit."
When we worship God, we should be acknowledging His worth (Revelation 4:8-11), and making Him know it through the attitude of our heart and our service to Him and others. Worship involves the action of acknowledging someone's worth, and, as a result, serving them. Notice how Jesus told Satan, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only." Jesus used both words in the same sentence. His words imply that God not only wants people to serve Him, but also to worship Him; perhaps this shows the two are different, although related.
So, What's Your Point?
My point is this: Serve the Lord...but also worship Him. Worshipping God is a matter of the heart (Deuteronomy 6:5; Psalm 86:12). The fact that we are serving in our churches does not, in and of itself and automatically, mean that we are worshipping God. A typical Sunday may be filled with people serving in all areas, from child care to even the worship band, but not a soul in the church be actively worshipping God; not one person be ascribing worth to God and praising Him for who He is and what He has done in their lives; and not one person be thinking about their Savior, but preoccupied with the task at hand and their rote service in the church.
As stated before, it is possible to serve someone without worshipping him, but it is difficult to worship someone (e.g., God) without desiring to serve him in some way—so let us not "put the cart before the horse," so to speak. First, have a repentant, thankful, prayerful, praise-filled, and worshipful heart towards God...and then allow your service to flow out of your heart and mind's already-established attitude. First you must have a worshipful attitude for your service to be acceptable. Therefore, if your service seems dull, check your heart.
When we worship, these words from 1 Chronicles 16:23-31 could be of help:
"Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, 'The LORD reigns!'"
May your worship and service of our Lord and Savior be forever true.
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