Meaning--100 Words

Meaning.

We search for meaning.

We try to give meaning to how we live.

We hope meaning will be found in our testimony.

Yet, true meaning often alludes us.

Ernest Hemingway said, “Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.”

Another way to say that is found on a tombstone: –.

Life’s meaning is determined by what happens on either side of the dash.

We are created the same.

We die the same.

It’s how we live that gives meaning to life.

Fickle--100 Words

Fickle.

I like the sound of that word.

It’s just funny sounding. Don’t believe me? Say it out loud.

What do you think? Try it again. Fickle!

See what I mean?

There are other funny words. I’ve liked the word oxymoron.

I also like the word onomatopoeia. Know the word? If not, look it up! (I sound like an English teacher saying that.)

Words have great sounds and great meanings.

Sometimes, words bring great joy. Sometimes great pain.

Whoever said “Sticks and stones may break my bones. But words will never hurt me” didn’t know what he/she was talking about!

Christmas--100 Words

Christmas.

Mention that word and countless thoughts come to mind.

Some would immediately talk about Santa. Others would talk about reindeer or eggnog or family get-togethers.

Maybe the word memories come to mind. Or a favorite tradition.

The word Christmas stirs all kinds of thoughts.

Unfortunately, the first thought for too many of us about the word Christmas is the wrong thought—it is secular and worldly. We’ve distanced the sacred and made it secular. We’ve moved from holy to hollow. We’ve moved from THE birth to Santa.

This year, let’s refocus our thoughts on what Christmas is all about.

Fall--100 Words

Fall.

Been thinking a good deal about fall lately. Especially this week as we might see temperatures drop into the 40s.

Think about some of the ways we use the word fall.

There’s the fall season.

There’s falling in love. Falling down the stairs. Falling out of someone’s good graces.

There’s falling down on the job.

If you have read my many posts, you should know that I love words and how we use them.

So many words in the English language have double meanings.

Others are clear as can be.

And example? Simple. “For God so loved the world…”

Searching for the Meaning of Worship

What is the state of worship today? What is the state of worship at your church? How about with you personally?

For too many people, worship has been captured by a tourist mind set. Let me explain that. For these people, worship is understood as a visit to an attractive site to be made when we have adequate leisure. We go as convenient, by our schedule, according to what fits our needs, desires, and wants. We simply “tour” what takes place.

For others, worship is just a weekly jaunt to church—no real meaning to it, just more of a ritual, something you have to do. It’s Sunday, you are supposed to be in church. If you aren’t, the devil will get you!

For others, worship means an occasional visit to a special service—Easter, Christmas, a holiday celebration, a special musical, etc. You know, large crowds, unfamiliar faces coming to soak up the specialness of the moment and season.

Some people, with a bent for Christian entertainment and sacred diversion, plan their lives around special events like retreats, rallies, and conferences. These people go to see a new personality, to hear a new truth, to get a new experience and so, somehow, expand their otherwise humdrum lives.

Isn’t it sad that we will try anything—until something else comes along?

Do any of those descriptions of worship describe your attitude toward worship? Your church’s attitudes?

A look at the original language of the Bible and the origin of the word in English helps us understand the meaning of worship. The primary Hebrew word for worship is Shachah—which means “to depress, i.e. prostrate (in homage to royalty or God): bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship.”

There are three Greek words that describe worship. First, Proskuneo—meaning “to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand, to fawn or crouch to, homage (do reverence to, adore): worship.” That word occurs 59 times in the New Testament. It originally carried with it the idea of subjects falling down to kiss the ground before a king or kiss their feet.

Secondly, Sebomai—“to reverence, hold in awe.” This word is used 10 times in the New Testament.

Thirdly, Latreuo—“to render religious service of homage.” This word is used 21 times in the New Testament.

The word in the English language literally means to ascribe worth to something.

As you think about going to a service of worship today, whether you have yet to go or already been, do those words describe what you anticipate taking place or what took place? Or, was the activity of a worship service just that, an activity?

I hope you will spend some time in thinking about the genuine meaning of worship, both individually and corporately. I will be praying for you as you do.