"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth..." (John 4:23-24)
There’s a profound difference between knowing about Jesus and truly encountering Him. The testimony of Scripture and the experience of countless believers is clear: a genuine encounter with Jesus changes us at the deepest level. We cannot remain the same, not really, after meeting Christ. Something of His life and presence leaves an indelible mark. In this opening exploration of the “7 W’s” that flow from encounter, we begin with the heart of all Christian transformation: becoming a worshipper.
Encounter: More Than a Moment
Jesus’ declaration to the Samaritan woman in John 4 reframes the meaning of worship forever. It is no longer about locations, rituals, or prescribed forms—it is about the depth of relationship and the authenticity of our approach to God. When you meet Jesus, worship escapes the boundaries of Sunday services or music sets. It becomes the essence of daily living.
Paul echoes this in Romans 12:1:
"I appeal to you...to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
True worship begins with encounter—it’s our response to seeing Jesus, knowing Him, being transformed by His love.
Three Shifts of the Worshipper’s Heart
- Worship is Relational, Not Ritual
Authentic worship flows from a relationship. It’s not working through a checklist; it’s pouring our hearts out to the One who first loved us. Encounter breaks the routine. Suddenly, worship is more than songs or church attendance; it’s the posture of a heart surrendered, eager for intimacy with God.
King David exemplified this longing: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” (Psalm 42:1) When we become worshippers, our hunger for God outpaces every other pursuit.
- Living Worship: Every Aspect Reflects Honour
Worship isn’t confined to sacred spaces. It spills into the ordinary, infusing work, conversations, creativity, and rest with the fragrance of Christ. The worshipper learns—and sometimes struggles—to see every moment as a gift to be offered back to God.
The Samaritan woman’s life, once marked by shame, became a living witness after she encountered Jesus. Her story reminds us that God seeks worshippers who bring every part of themselves—brokenness, hope, labour, joy—into His loving gaze.
In Christ, our worship becomes the rhythm of life, marked by gratitude and delight.
- Changed Desires: Worship Reorients What We Value
When we truly worship, our affections shift. The “encounter” rewrites our story. We find ourselves letting go of things that once had undue grip—ambition, approval, routine comfort—in favour of pursuing the things of God. The words of Paul become our own: “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8)
Real worship is costly. It asks us to align our will with His, continually surrendering self-interest to the higher joy of knowing and glorifying Him.
A Life Shaped by Encounter
Why does becoming a worshipper matter? Because the world is saturated with noise, distraction, and competing stories. The worshipper stands apart, marked by the presence of Jesus, grounded in hope, brimming with purpose.
The difference is encounter—an authentic meeting with Jesus, often in unexpected places and seasons, which births a life of worship that outlasts emotional highs or scheduled events. Worshippers model what it means to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), making their lives a living sacrifice, daily renewed at His feet.
You may wonder if your life truly reflects worship, or if your relationship with Jesus is marked mostly by routine. The good news: Jesus invites us, day after day, to come close, to be changed, and to give ourselves again as worshippers—not just in song, but in all we are and do.
Think about it.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Next Steps
Reflect: What does authentic worship look like in your life? Where is your hunger for God—do you long for Him beyond the weekly gatherings or occasional “spiritual” experiences? How might your daily rhythms become infused with worship?
Pray: Father, deepen my desire for Your presence. Strip away all pretence and routine that keeps me at a distance. Birth in me the heart of a true worshipper—a heart surrendered, grateful, and eager for more of You. Let my life become a living sacrifice that brings You delight. For your glory, Lord.
Act: Intentionally schedule time this week to worship God—alone and with others. Let moments of work, rest, and relationship become offerings of gratitude. Consider starting a worship journal, noting where you encounter Jesus and how He is shaping you. Share a moment of worship with someone—encourage them, point them to Jesus, and invite them to encounter Him, too.
