Reflecting on WR Training Camp:
Outside of being one of the toughest and most uncomfortable things I’ve ever done, training camp was an absolute blast! I could go on and on about how much pain my back was in from sleeping in a tent almost every night and how tired, sore, dirty, sweaty and grimy I was… but I’m not going to do that.
I mean y’all probably get it, it was a difficult ten days and it was intentionally designed to be that way.
But, during this time I met an incredible group of God-fearing men and women that will soon be my family for 11 months. During our ten days together we encountered physical and spiritual adversity and came out on the other side stronger and tougher, producing a bond that will certainly need to withstand every test that we’ll surely encounter on this Expedition. I’m extremely excited to grow deeper in knowledge and affection for our Lord with this group.
Now, I want to talk about something that’s been on my heart the last few weeks: worship. For quite a few of us, myself included, when we hear the word “worship” our minds usually recall our favorite “worship” song and artist or think about a gathering of fellow believers to corporately “worship” on a predetermined day of the week. And indeed, both of these instances are worship-oriented and involve active praise and adoration of our creator, sustainer and redeemer (Jesus) and should not be neglected… but if “worship” of our Lord and Savior only takes place while we’re in our car listening to Jesus Culture, Bethel and Chris Tomlin on Spotify or standing and raising your hands in a church service on Sunday morning… then we have zero clue what authentic “worship” really is.
What’s the true purpose of worship?
“I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.’ ” – Revelation 22:8-9
“Worship is what we were created for. This is the final end of all existence: the worship of God.” – John Piper
Every human being on the face of this planet was designed for the reverence, adoration, exaltation and worship of Yahweh… but unfortunately, we have the ability to use that design for unintended purposes. Everyone worships something whether they think so or not.
Worship involves death.
“We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 6:9-11
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:1-2
Divine, God-centered worship is not something you do or an activity you participate in, it’s something you are. Worship is a lifestyle. The Lord does not only desire his creation to experience and enjoy him a couple of days a week! He desires this for us every second of every day for all of eternity. Each day is a new opportunity to die to yourself and choose the Source of Life. And guess what guys, He will freely give you that Life.
Anyways, just a few thoughts.
Love you all dearly. May the Lord bless and keep you close to him.
-Bradley
