The 5 Ways We Unknowingly Worship Ourselves

In today’s fast-paced world, many people find themselves caught in a cycle where worship, especially in the church, becomes more about personal preference than divine adoration. This shift has often gone unnoticed, and as a result, we sometimes worship ourselves, focusing more on how worship makes us feel than on giving glory to God.

In this blog, we will explore five key ways we unconsciously worship ourselves and how to turn our focus back to God, where it truly belongs. These insights are not just spiritual reflections; they are practical ways to deepen your relationship with God through worship.

1. We See Worship as an Optional Part of Church Services

Worship is often confined to the musical segment of a church service. For some, it feels like an introduction or warm-up to the main event, which is the sermon. This perception stems from a misunderstanding of what true worship is. Worship isn’t just an act within a service; it’s a lifestyle.

Biblical Perspective:
In Romans 12:1, Paul writes, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Worship is about living every day in acknowledgment of God’s goodness. Whether you’re teaching, painting, cooking, or even cleaning, everything can be an act of worship if done for the glory of God.

Reflection:
Have you ever thought of your daily tasks as an act of worship? It’s time to reframe your approach to life and understand that worship extends beyond Sunday mornings.

2. We Only Participate in Worship When We “Feel” Like It

We’ve all experienced those moments when we feel disconnected during worship. Perhaps we’re distracted or overwhelmed with life’s problems. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that worship is only meaningful when we are in the “right” emotional state.

Biblical Perspective:
True worship isn’t about how we feel; it’s about recognizing God for who He is. The presence of the Holy Spirit is with us always, even when we don’t feel it. Worshiping God should be a response to His constant presence and not based on our emotions or circumstances.

Reflection:
The next time you’re tempted to skip worship because you’re “not feeling it,” remember that worship is about God, not your mood. Choose to worship Him in all circumstances.

3. We Use Our Preferences to Define Worship

There’s often an unconscious thought that worship must meet our specific tastes. Whether it’s the style of music, the atmosphere, or the preacher, we may find ourselves judging worship based on whether it aligns with what we enjoy. This mindset shifts the focus from God to ourselves.

Biblical Perspective:
Jesus taught in John 4:23 that true worshipers worship in spirit and truth. It’s not about the setting or the instruments used; it’s about honoring God with a sincere heart. Worship should be centered on God’s holiness, not our personal preferences.

Reflection:
Ask yourself: Are you attending church or participating in worship for the experience you get, or are you coming to honor God, regardless of the style or setting?

4. We See Worship as an Experience for Us, Not a Gift from God

In many church settings, worship is sometimes seen as something we participate in for our own emotional or spiritual fulfillment. This can turn worship into a personal experience instead of recognizing it as a divine gift from God.

Biblical Perspective:
Psalm 95:6 invites us to “come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” Worship is a response to God’s greatness and an acknowledgment that He is worthy of all our praise. It’s not about what we get out of it, but about what we give to Him.

Reflection:
Shift your perspective—worship is not something to be “experienced” but an offering to God. The more you understand this, the more fulfilling your worship will become.

5. We Forget That Worship Is About Humility

Humility is a fundamental aspect of worship. When we approach worship with a heart full of pride, we are no longer focused on God. Instead, we place ourselves at the center of the experience.

Biblical Perspective:
When Isaiah saw the Lord, high and lifted up, he cried out, “Woe to me! I am ruined!” (Isaiah 6:5). True worship begins with the recognition that God is holy, and we are not. Worship is about surrendering ourselves, acknowledging that we are nothing without God.

Reflection:
Before you enter a time of worship, take a moment to humble yourself before God. Acknowledge His greatness and your need for His mercy and grace.

Conclusion: Worship Is About God, Not Us

In our daily lives, it’s easy to slip into a self-centered view of worship. But as we’ve explored, true worship is about recognizing who God is and humbling ourselves before Him. Worship is not about how we feel, what we prefer, or what we can gain from the experience—it’s about giving God the honor He deserves.

The next time you enter into worship, whether privately or in a corporate setting, ask yourself: Is my focus on me, or is it on God?

By shifting our mindset and understanding the depth of worship, we can move closer to God and experience His presence in a more meaningful way. It’s time to stop worshiping ourselves and start worshiping the One who is truly worthy of all our praise.