My title is Pursuit of creation vs Pursuit of the Creator.

Worship. A word that conjures up all kinds of thoughts and pictures. Stained-glass windows. Monks. Reciting a creed. Quiet. Moving music. Raised hands. But for a moment let’s forget the outward picture and consider worship in its truest (inward) form.

Worship in its simplest, most organic state comes down to a choice: will it be pursuit of creation or pursuit of the Creator. By the former I don’t just mean the earth (like a tree-hugger or animist). It could be another person; an inanimate object; a job to name a few. But to pursue those means my pursuit of the Creator of all that will take a back seat.

Deep down we are all worshipers. What we worship is basically that which captures our affections. It is what I am living for. It is what is laying claim to my life. I have struggled with this a good part of my life. Baseball. Basketball. Men’s applause and approval. Sex. Cycling. My dream of being a pastor of a growing, vibrant, “big” church. And yes, even God. It’s almost like “Ok. What’s the flavor of the day?” Something is always laying claim to my life.  There is always something to look for to satisfy, to give identity, meaning, purpose and a sense of importance to my life.

The psalmist put it this way in several passages:

“O come, let us sing to the Lord, let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!…O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.” (95:1,6)

“For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.” (97:9)

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for Him…Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth, break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” (98:1,4)

“Ascribe (give) to the Lord the glory due His name…Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.”  (96:8-9)

There are many more verses, both in Psalms and elsewhere that speak of worship. “May I, Father, pursue You, the Creator, not your creation.”