What Does it Mean to Worship God? (Part 1)
By Carey Kinsolving

"To worship God is paying attention to nobody else but God," says Pruitt, 11. "If you don't do it, it sort of messes you up. You can worship him anywhere."

"It sort of messes you up" is a great way to describe our preoccupation with ourselves. God wants to take us into a larger place where he's in control, and we can relax by trusting in him.

Pruitt also says we can worship God anywhere. Although this is true, don't try to pass off a round of golf on Sunday morning as a worship experience.

God accepts worship from Christians meeting in houses, fields, caves and even beautiful cathedrals. In countries like China and Saudi Arabia, Christians meet secretly because authorities could break in and arrest them for worshipping God.

God is more concerned about the condition of our hearts than the appearance of buildings where worshippers meet. Jesus once told a woman at a well, "True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth." (John 4:23)

The "how" and "whom" of worship is more important than the "where" of worship. Pilgrims travel thousands of miles because they imagine that a so-called holy place will bring them closer to God. Others spend millions on ornate church buildings for the same reason.

The idea of connecting God's presence to a building is an Old Testament concept. The temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in A.D. 70. God now dwells in the hearts of his people. (Jeremiah 31)