I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15
When someone who doesn’t know you very well compliments something you’ve done, it feels nice. But when someone who’s seen a lot of your work says, “Wow, that’s some of your best work yet,” it’s even better. The better you know someone, the more specific, personal and powerful your praise of them is.
The same is true with God. The more you get to know him, the more you have to praise him about and the deeper and more personal your praise. You see, as you get to know him, you begin to become more aware of the fact that God isn’t just your Creator and Saviour; he’s also your friend, and he’s here for you.
Jesus refers to us as his friends. Do you ever think about that? God doesn’t want to control you or rule over you like a dictator. He doesn’t look down on you or focus on your flaws. God sees you as a friend—someone he’s in a relationship with, in partnership with, someone he loves.
When we worship God, praise flows from the friendship we have with him. Praise can be just as natural as giving your loved ones a compliment. You can praise God in church, but you can just as easily praise him at home, at work, in your car or at school, out loud or silently.
Wherever you go, praise God. Remember, you’re not doing it for his
benefit. You’re doing it to put him first and to remind yourself of how awesome he is, because he is worthy of all our praise!