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Work or Worship?
pastor of Chicago's Southside Alliance Church from 1928 to 1959. He never went to a Bible school, seminary or university, but his many writings have consistently and powerfully directed the reader's attention to the amazing God who desires our love, devotion and worship. WORK OR WORSHIP I am of the opinion that we should not be concerned about working for God until we have learned the meaning and delight of worshiping Him. A worshiper can work with eternal quality in his work. But a worker who does not worship is only piling up wood, hay and stubble for that time when God sets the world on fire. I fear that there are many professing Christians who do not want to hear such statements about their "busy schedules," but it is the truth. God is trying to call us back to that for which He created us—to worship Him and to enjoy Him forever! It is then, out of our deep worship, that we do His work. — A. W. Tozer (1879-1963), in WHATEVER HAPPENED TO WORSHIP? Compiled and edited by Gerald B. Smith. Camp Hill, Pennsylvania: Christian Publications, 1985, p. 12. ISBN 0-87509-367-1 [Lord, we confess that we have too often placed our trust in our "Christian" busyness. We have looked to our own productivity for personal and corporate fulfillment rather than being satisfied with you and you alone. Forgive us for our sin. In your mercy show us yourself. Let us find our rest in you. Amen!] Have a great week, Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky carlstam@aol.com www.carlstam.org www.sbts.edu |