Sanctus Real’s Dustin Lolli Explains Worship in One Word

In a recent interview, Dustin Lolli, the lead singer of Sanctus Real, was asked to describe worship in just one word. After some reflection, he chose the word “honor.” This choice, however, was not made lightly, as Lolli took the opportunity to expand on what worship truly means, highlighting a common misconception in today’s Christian culture.

Worship is More Than Music

Lolli began by addressing how the modern church often equates worship with music. He pointed out that we have built a culture around worship music, which has sometimes led to focusing more on the music than on the deeper meaning of worship itself. According to him, worship is not confined to singing songs or playing instruments—it is something much more profound. It is about living in a way that resembles Jesus and bringing the Kingdom of Heaven into the world through our actions.

Honor: The Essence of Worship

In Lolli’s view, the greatest form of worship is to reflect the nature of God in our daily lives, which he considers an act of honor to the Creator. Whether we are in church singing songs or interacting with others in a Christlike manner, both are acts of worship. This shift in perspective helps remind us that worship extends far beyond the stage and the songs—it’s about how we live and influence others with God’s love.

The Danger of Worship as Performance

Lolli also touched on the issue of performance in worship, acknowledging that while quality in worship music is important for connecting people to Jesus, there is a danger in turning worship into a performance. When we prioritize the performance aspect, we risk losing sight of the purpose of worship: to honor God and serve individuals, each with their own unique stories and needs.

Worship with Intentionality

He concluded with a call for the church to be more thoughtful and intentional in its approach to worship. Worship should not be about following trends or copying what works elsewhere, but rather about creating spaces where people can encounter God in a personal and meaningful way. Lolli emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals within the congregation—those who may be going through struggles like cancer or past trauma—and ministering to them on a deeper level.

Worship as a Lifestyle

Ultimately, Lolli’s reflection on worship challenges us to rethink how we view it. Worship is more than music; it is a lifestyle that honors God by bringing His love and presence into the world in every situation. His words encourage us to look beyond the routine of worship services and rediscover the heart of what it means to truly honor God in all that we do.

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