“Things I Learned About Worship At The Gym” (Ready to Worship S16E11)

December 23, 2022

Host: Wade Webster | Released Friday, December 23, 2022

This season on Ready to Worship, we are discussing some things that we have learned or can learn about worship from the gym. I am convinced that in just a short time, we will all be in better shape spiritually. In the first lesson, we noticed that we usually feel better after we go to the gym/worship. In the second lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship helps us to make better choices. In the third lesson, we noticed that going to the gym/worship needs to be about growth and not about comparison. In the fourth lesson, we noticed that the gym/worship meets a number of needs. In the fifth lesson, we noticed the need to avoid clanging. In the sixth lesson, we saw that two are better than one.

In the seventh lesson, we saw that there are a number of tests that will show whether or not the gym/worship are working. In this lesson, we will see the importance of not skipping any part of working out or worship.

People who work out often joke, “Don’t skip leg day.” Of course, the reason that this is funny is because we have all seen guys at the gym with huge chests and bulging arms walking around on tiny legs. They look comical; though, you might not want to say that out loud. Although, if necessary, you could probably outrun them and/or out climb them. After all, they have tiny, underdeveloped legs. Plus, they are top heavy and would probably topple over chasing you. They have put all of their time and attention into one area of their bodies to the neglect of others. They have skipped multiple leg days and it shows.

When it comes to worship, many people do the same thing. They focus on one area to the neglect of others. For example, some focus on the Lord’s Supper. Granted, the Lord’s Supper is extremely important. It is the reason why we come together on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). It is when we remember the death that Jesus died for us (1 Cor. 11:23-26). Yet, some emphasize it above all other acts of worship. In fact, I have known those who stayed in worship only until they had observed this act. Then, they left. In their minds they had done the most important thing. Spiritually speaking, they skipped leg day. I have known others, that didn’t sing or give. They watched others do these things, but they don’t join in (1 Cor. 16:1-2; Eph. 5:19). Spiritually speaking, they skipped leg day. Others bow their heads for prayer, but just listen to the man leading (Acts 2:42). They are not praying with him. The are not mentally adding in the names of the sick that they know or giving thanks for the blessings that they have received. They are skipping leg day. Finally, some are not engaged in the study of God’s word. They are not turning to passages to read along or to check to see if what the preacher is saying is correct (Acts 17:11). They are not taking notes to focus their attention or to retain the study for future reference. They are skipping leg day.

As we get ready to worship this week, let’s focus on each of the acts of worship. Let’s not skip any of them or merely go through the motions in any of them. Let’s give each of them the attention that they deserve.