The Sweet Song of the Soul

Sometime ago I read a definition for worship that says one does not have to workup worship rather one responds to the reality of God. This got me thinking about the many times I have seen and heard worship leaders vociferously commanding gatherings of people to "worship" as if they were a bunch of misfits coming together to tryout for some team or other. I have always believed that, if taught relationship with Him, no one has to be bossed around when it comes time to worship the God who loves us so much that He gave His Son to die in our place. If as pastors and worship leaders we would learn to worship and not just about worship then we would be able to lead and teach worship instead of bullying the people who are looking to us for direction. The Church has become so business/works oriented and "me" focused that we have lost our appetite for giving God glory in worship. The focal point of our gatherings is primarily about our buildings, possessions and numbers, and the fame they can bring our local church. As Christians, our priority is to glorify the triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In Revelation 4:8 - 11, John gives us a glimpse of how to worship Him. It is time to stop the folly of seeking fame, fortune and the favor of man; it is time to stop getting "cute" with Scripture; it is time to get back to teaching relationship with Him through His Word so that we can grasp the reality of God and begin to sing the sweet song of the soul.