Worship in Reverence

David A. Cox

 “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified.” –– (Leviticus 10:3)

It is easy to come to worship without thinking deeply about why we gather. For many, attending services has become second nature—we come because it is what we have always done. For others, coming together is a deliberate choice made out of love and commitment to God. Still, there are times when some attend with little thought.

Yet Scripture reminds us that worship is never casual in the eyes of God. The Lord declares, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy.” Worship is not primarily about routine, convenience, or tradition. It is about honoring God with reverence and a heart centered on Him.

Our attitude in worship begins with our view of God. If we truly understand His holiness, our approach will reflect respect, humility, and sincerity. Some in Corinth lost sight of this and turned worship into something careless and self-centered (1 Corinthians 11:17–21). Others, like the church at Ephesus, struggled with losing their zeal (Revelation 2:4). But the proper spirit of worship is seen in the psalmist’s words: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1).

Reverence grows when we remember that God is present. When Abraham encountered the Lord, he fell on his face (Genesis 17:3). Moses hid his face before God at the burning bush (Exodus 3:5–6). That awareness of God’s presence produces a sober mind, a humble spirit, and a heart prepared to honor Him. With this attitude, it should shape our practice. Worship is not limited to the assembly—it includes private prayer, personal praise, and daily devotion. But when the church gathers, we come together for a special purpose: to remember Christ, to pray, to sing, to study, and to encourage one another.

Because worship matters, we should examine our priorities. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us not to neglect assembling together. Too often, it becomes easy to find reasons not to come or to treat worship lightly. Instead, our lives should reflect that time with God and His people is a priority, not an afterthought.

Our example also influences others. Parents are shaping their children’s understanding of worship by their attitude and preparation. Children learn reverence when they see it practiced at home and in the assembly. Likewise, fellow Christians and visitors notice whether our worship reflects focus and respect or distraction and indifference.

Consider the difference. In one congregation, people arrive prepared, aware of God’s presence, and engaged with reverence. In another, worship is treated casually—lateness, distraction, and convenience shape the atmosphere. The difference is not the building or the program—it is the heart.

The consequences are significant. Reverent worship strengthens faith, teaches the next generation, and honors God. Casual worship weakens spiritual focus and diminishes our influence.

As we gather each week, let us remember why we come. We come to glorify a holy God. May our attitude be centered on Him, our hearts filled with reverence, and our worship offered with sincerity and joy.

From Market Street Messenger