ABSOLUTE ALLEGIANCE: Experiencing The Ultimate Joy of Fellowship (2)

GRACELIFE-COMI

WAIT CONFERENCE 2025|| UNDERSTANDING WORSHIP BEYOND MUSIC|| SESSION 4|| CHIMDI M. OHAHUNA

Welcome back to another enlightening session of WAIT CONFERENCE ‘25. Our journey into the depths of worship has been truly glorious so far, and today, we continue into this profound aspect of our faith.

We’ve been exploring the concept of worship, specifically the act of kissing the hand—an ancient gesture of reverence and homage, which symbolizes honor and respect shown to another. We understood that God loves us to honor Him, and the entire Book of Malachi emphasizes honor rather than just tithe and offering. Over the years, the focus has often been on giving financially, rather than the heart's honor towards God.

What matters most is your heart of honor towards God, not just your finances. If your heart does not honor God, it will eventually show. Worship is about reverence for God with your life and everything you have. When both your heart and body honor God, every other aspect of your life will follow suit.

We explored the words reverence, homage, and obeisance. Obeisance, a movement of the body such as bowing, demonstrates respect for someone. Worship goes beyond words—it is an action. As James says, “Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Faith without works is dead. Worship is an act of faith.

Your disposition in life reveals if you are bowing before God or something else. Addiction, for instance, is paying obeisance to something other than God. Different worship postures, such as lifting holy hands and bowing, are acts of surrender and respect. When we lift our hands, it symbolizes surrender and a plea for God's support, much like a child asking to be carried. Bowing before God signifies total submission to His authority and lordship.

The same way the gift of the Spirit is given, the fruit of the Spirit must be borne physically. This is why we present our bodies as living sacrifices. God doesn't do this for us; we must actively present ourselves. Worship is the act of enjoying God, and this joy comes when we offer ourselves as living sacrifices. Choosing not to worship God deprives us of this pleasure and leads to frustration.

As believers, we need to ask ourselves if we are truly enjoying the pleasure of God's presence. The sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit is meant to be enjoyable. Over the years, I've seen ministers focus more on ministering to people than to God. This can lead to a lack of alignment with God's will and a disconnect between their preaching and personal character. We must embrace both sonship and servanthood, understanding that a worshiper is a serving son.

This is a clarion call to servanthood. Worship involves serving the Lord Christ with our whole being, regardless of circumstances. As Apostle Paul said, “I have learned to abase and abound.” Worship teaches us to adapt to all situations with a heart aligned with God.

Join us as we continue to explore the depths of worship, understanding that it is not just about singing or music, but about living a life of total submission and allegiance to God. Let us embrace our calling and honor God in every aspect of our lives.

Jesus is Lord.