The Difference Between Praise and Worship
Praise and Worship.
These two words are often used interchangeably; however, in scripture, one is superior to the other.
All worshippers praise God.
However, not all praisers worship God.
It is valuable to understand three things about praise.
Praise is natural.
The scripture plainly and in numerous passages describes the things within nature that demonstrate and actively participate in the praise to the one true God.
" Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice." Psalms 96:11-12
All of Creation is involved in the continual praise of the Creator. The blossoming of the rose and the glistening dew on the grass. You can hear the hoot of the owl or the moo of the cow; all are praise to their creator.
These are all give voice and witness in the Creation Choir of Praise!
Praise is Mandatory
Jesus was admonished to silence the praise of the throng on his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He looked at them and said, "If these hold their peace, the rocks will cry out."
What I know praise is going to be done. The heavenly host and nature itself are created, and their very existence is an echo of praise.
One day, the scripture tells us,
"every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, "JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!"
You either praise him now or praise him later, but you will honor Jesus one way or the other.
Praise requires no virtue.
Praise is natural and mandatory. Therefore, praise requires no virtue.
Why?
We praise God for our health, wealth, and wisdom. We praise God for our families, homes, and material blessings. We testify of his healing, provision, and protection.
We do this because of what he has done. Stop, look, and listen.
Praise issues out of the mouths of athletes, rock stars, and politicians.
Elvis and Dolly Pardon are some famous old examples. Anybody can praise God.
Kanye and other modern examples continue this illustration. Anyone can praise God, either consciously or otherwise.
Praise does not equal character or integrity.
You believe in one God, you do well, the demons believe and tremble.
Anyone can praise God.
Everyone should.
Worship is an invitation.
God is looking for “True worshippers.”, not the fickle acclamations.
Jesus gave us a description of what God is looking for.
”But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23 & 24
Worship is different.
Worship is an element that is only reserved for the sincere and devout. Worship is not for the weak in heart or timid of mind. Worship is not possible for the carnal or selfish. Worship is something entirely different from praise.
All worshippers praise God.
However, not all praisers worship God.
The first time this word is mentioned in the Bible is instructive and compelling.
God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham rises early the following day and takes all the things he needs and begins to journey to the place God showed him to go. When he gets close, he leaves his servants and tells them, "We are going yonder to worship. We will both come back"
What was Abraham about to do?
He was about to give God the one thing that was important and valuable to him. The proof of his faith, the essence of his hope, and the fruit of his lifelong journey with God. God was asking him to sacrifice it to him in worship. Read, Genesis 22:1-5
True worship is an act of Surrender.
Abraham journeyed with an understanding that he was surrendering his hope, faith, and dreams into the hand of God.
True worship is an act of obedience.
Abraham proceeded to fulfill the command of God without question or complaint. We may not be able to accomplish this as easily. We may grumble and complain, but if we can find that place of absolute obedience, this is where we enter into worship.
True worship is an act of sacrifice.
Sacrifice is a critical component in seeing the benefit of worship.
Without sacrifice, there is no worship.
We must recognize, Abraham KNEW that he was not going to lose Isaac.
When you sacrifice something to God, it still belongs to you.. but it is in the Lords hand.
This act of obedient, submitted, sacrificial worship MOVED GOD to swear to Abraham.
" By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." Genesis 22:16-18
It is impossible to overstate the significance of this moment. The benefits God swore on that fateful day are still at work today thousands of years later in our world today.
My salvation is more abundant because of what Abraham did in obedience.
From Promises to a sworn oath. Because you did what I asked, I will do more than I promised previously.
When you are willing to enter the presence of God with more than praise.
When you are willing to enter the presence of God with more than a song.
When you are willing to go beyond, you will see the unimaginable blessings of God.
Worship is the ultimate privilege of humanity.
I believe that it is the true worship that the Father seeks.
It is that song the angels can't sing.
"the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:12-13
There is a reserved place of worship for you.
A place in the heart of God where you are desired.
It is the space that can only be occupied by you.
You have a song, no one else can sing.
You have an offering to give that no one else can give.
You have a light that no one else can shine.
Beyond the veil of flesh, the riches and glory of his Holy Spirit await you.
Shall we go yonder to worship?
In Him, By Him, Through Him,
Scott Phillips