Worship Matters: And to Live for God's Glory

Kauflin starts off Chapter 17 by reminding us that just because we are Christians, we shouldn't rest assured that our sins are completely washed away without striving to be different and more like Jesus. He tells us that God transforms us into the image of Jesus as we gather to worship. Kauflin's main points are that worshipping God should make us humble, secure, grateful, holy, loving, and mission-minded.  Worship should also change lives. Focusing on worship as making us humble, I read Kauflin's argument that we often focus on external factors that obscure God's glory. Just as on vacations when we are in awe of the sights rather than concession stands, we should worship God humbly instead of focusing on other minor details.

This chapter, especially Kauflin's analogy of the Grand Canyon to worshipping God, made me realize how silly it was that we focus on so many minor things rather than God Himself. I do agree that once we truly realize how great God is, we would be humbled. Nobody, not even the "best" worship leader, deserves to worship God; instead, we do so because of His mercy and love for us. We should never think higher of ourselves just because we have been chosen to lead worship, but rather continue to give all glory to God.

Worship Matters: To Cherish God's Presence

In this chapter, Kauflin reminds us that God is omnipresent. He is everywhere at once, and there's not one single moment that he's not watching us. Because of this, we must pursue his presence as we lead worship. However, we must be careful as to ensure that WE are not the ones who bring about his presence, but rather Him. It is up to God whether to show Himself through our music or not. He chooses to show Himself through our music.

I think I enjoyed this chapter. For me, it reminded me that I should be careful and watchful of my actions not only in worship, but also in everyday activities. Sometimes, I would kind of put God in a box and only think about Him when I worship or go to church. This is not correct; God is omnipresent and I should make myself pleasant in His eyes at all times.