When I learned about wants versus needs, it radically shifted my expectations. Maybe that’s just adulting. When I learned God gives me what I need and I’m responsible to give him what he wants, it radically shifted my perspective. God has desires, he has preferences, and he does not ask us what we think about it (Isaiah 46; Romans 9:20). God has a plan that transcends our years, our millennium, and our wills. God has wants. This does not mean God has needs - he does not (Psalm 50). Simply, this is what it means to live to and for the glory of God.
Glory is an interesting word that Scripture uses to explain the existence of God (which we do not contribute to; John 5:26) and the fame of God by God and man in his creation (Psalm 86:12; Ephesians 1). This understanding is where we worship God rightly. Your life and my life will be so satisfying - soaked in peace and saturated in joy - when we live to give God what he wants.
This purpose, plan, destiny, will, want, etc. of God informs true worship. When I form things of worship into what I want and do not yield and obey what God wants, I am glorifying myself. As someone who has pursued the idea of worship, I’ve found the following things helpful, whether I’m worshipping by loving my wife well or leading a congregation in singing:
God is glorified in truth.
This sounds very obvious… but say it out loud. Apply it to anything. God is glorified in you when you treat your neighbor the way he has expressed in Scripture. God is glorified by our submission to the Spirit when he prompts us to detract from a slanderous conversation. God is glorified when we frame our liturgy and lyrics around biblical realities about who Christ is as God in flesh. God is glorified in us when we find our satisfaction in who he truly is and what he truly wants.
Tell people no..and yes.
Sometimes people have crazy ideas. Most of our ideas (uninformed by the Bible) are selfish. There’s a lot of pragmatic ideas out there. A 12 measure guitar solo is a cool idea. Whether I’m trying to be a godly friend or properly frame the service at our church to point to our great God, I should be willing to tell people their ideas may not actually glorify God and be healthiest for the moment (Philippians 4:8; Ephesians 4:29).
The local church is a medium God uses to shape us, help us, correct us, and reveal blind spots. One thing I’ve tried to live by: ask older and stable people (Job 12:12; Ephesians 5:15-16). God has been glorified through the advice of dear saints in Christ who care about ways to shape my life, our services, and even lyrics for the revealed and expressed glory of God! It is good and glorifying to God when we can hear from others. God always molds those moments where I’m humble enough to listen.
Let the Amen, Sound from his people again.
God is front and center of this cosmic drama of space and time. He calls us to see, believe, and confess that truth. Let us remind ourselves of of his worthy place as God, as Lord, as Savior, as Trinity. How often do we approach the instrument, the microphone, the pulpit, the dinner table, or the tough conversation without him and for something other than him? How often I forget that from him and through him and to him are all things. Our most glorious praise is that resounding “amen” to all he is doing to accomplish all that he wants.
Pray with me that God would show us ways that we’re trying to be the greatest revelation and steal attention meant for God. Lord, show us ways to worship you by glorifying you, making every breath about you. Let us say together, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory” (Psalm 115:1).
