Worship
D. Todd Christofferson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Christofferson expounds on the true meaning of worship as devotion and emulation of God.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Engage in Active Worship
Elder Christofferson explains the importance of gathering in sacred spaces for worship and the acts that constitute true devotion, such as prayer, singing hymns, and partaking of the sacrament.
We come together to worship. There is a significant difference between the two. To attend means to be present at. But to worship is to intentionally praise and adore our God in a way that transforms us!
Devoting our Sabbaths to the Lord and His purposes is itself an act of worship.Key Points:
- Worship involves gathering in consecrated spaces and performing acts of devotion.
- Our conduct and attire should reflect reverence and respect for Deity.
- The Sabbath is a special day for worship, focusing on the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
- Reflect on a time when attending church services brought you closer to God.
- How do you prepare yourself and your family for Sabbath worship?
- Share an experience where participating in a church hymn or prayer deepened your worship.
Cultivate Worshipful Attitudes
True worship requires a heart full of gratitude and love for God, aligning our will with His and offering our lives as a testament to His glory.
True worship means loving God and yielding our will to Him—the most precious gift we can offer.
We will not attain perfection in this course overnight, but if each day we offer for a sacrifice unto [Him] a broken heart and a contrite spirit, He will again baptize us with His Spirit and fill us with His grace.Key Points:
- Worship is infused with gratitude, transforming it from duty to joyful renewal.
- Aligning our will with God’s is a profound expression of worship.
- Jesus Christ’s example of submission to the Father is the pattern for true worship.
- Describe a moment when you felt deep gratitude during worship.
- How have you seen your attitude towards worship change over time?
- Share a story of when yielding your will to God brought peace or clarity.
Maintain Exclusive Devotion
Elder Christofferson stresses the importance of exclusive worship of God, warning against idols and false gods that divert our devotion.
Whatever takes precedence over worship of the Father and the Son becomes an idol.
The object of our worship is exclusively "the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He] hast sent."Key Points:
- Exclusive worship of God prevents idolatry and ensures true devotion.
- Worldly distractions can become modern idols if they take precedence over God.
- The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exemplifies unwavering faith and exclusive worship.
- Have you ever had to choose between worldly pursuits and worship? What did you learn?
- Reflect on a modern "idol" that you have overcome through faith.
- How do you ensure that God remains the center of your worship?
Emulate the Divine
Living a Christlike life is the ultimate form of worship, requiring us to emulate the attributes and character of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
True worship is transformative.
As we walk the covenant path, the sanctifying "power of godliness is manifest" in us.Key Points:
- Emulating the Father and the Son is a sincere form of worship and veneration.
- The covenant path guides us in becoming more Christlike.
- Priesthood ordinances and temple covenants are elevated forms of worship that sanctify us.
- Share a personal story of how living Christlike principles has transformed you.
- Discuss a time when participating in temple ordinances deepened your worship.
- Reflect on how following the covenant path has influenced your life.
Experience Joy in Worship
Elder Christofferson concludes with a testimony of the joy found in true worship, encouraging us to yield our hearts to God and emulate Christ.
May we, as commanded by Jesus, "fall down and worship the Father in [the] name [of the Son]."
I testify that as we do, we will experience joy in worship.Key Points:
- Joy is a natural result of sincere worship and devotion.
- Yielding our hearts to God brings us closer to Him and fills us with His Spirit.
- Emulating Christ leads to a fulfilling and joyful worship experience.
- Describe a time when you felt profound joy during worship.
- How has yielding your heart to God brought peace and joy into your life?
- Share an experience where emulating Christ brought happiness to you or others.
