Definition and Importance
Worship, in the biblical context, is the act of attributing reverent honor and homage to God. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the believer's relationship with the Creator. Worship is not merely a ritualistic practice but a heartfelt response to God's majesty, holiness, and love. It is both a personal and communal act, reflecting the believer's devotion and submission to God's will.

Biblical Foundation
The priority of worship is established early in Scripture. In the Ten Commandments, God commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3), underscoring the exclusivity and primacy of worship directed towards Him alone. Worship is a response to God's revelation and His mighty acts, as seen in the Psalms, where the psalmist declares, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness" (Psalm 29:2).

Old Testament Examples
In the Old Testament, worship is intricately linked with sacrifice and obedience. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) is a profound act of worship, demonstrating faith and submission to God's command. The construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple provided a designated place for worship, where sacrifices and offerings were made to honor God (Exodus 25-31; 1 Kings 6).

The prophets frequently called Israel back to true worship, condemning idolatry and empty rituals. Isaiah admonishes, "These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me" (Isaiah 29:13), highlighting the necessity of sincere worship.

New Testament Revelation
In the New Testament, worship takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus emphasizes worship in spirit and truth, stating, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him" (John 4:23). This teaching underscores the internalization of worship, moving beyond physical locations to the heart's posture.

The early church exemplified worship as a priority through communal gatherings, prayer, and the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42-47). The apostle Paul exhorts believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as their spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1).

Worship in the Life of Jesus
Jesus Himself modeled worship as a priority. He frequently withdrew to solitary places to pray and commune with the Father (Luke 5:16). His life was marked by obedience and submission to God's will, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, the ultimate act of worship and redemption.

Eschatological Perspective
The book of Revelation provides a glimpse into the eternal priority of worship. Heavenly beings and redeemed saints continually worship God, proclaiming, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" (Revelation 5:12). This eschatological vision affirms that worship is not only a present priority but an eternal one.

Practical Implications
For believers today, worship as a priority means aligning one's life with God's purposes, engaging in regular personal and corporate worship, and living in obedience to His commands. It involves a lifestyle of devotion, where every action and decision reflects the glory and honor due to God. Worship is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling believers to a deeper relationship with their Creator.