*WORSHIP - see LOVE, GLORY, AWE, GRADITUTE, APPRECIATION, CONNECT, UNITY, MARRIAGE, FATHER, HONOR, RESPECT, VENERATION
Antonyms: IDOLATRY,
For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. (Rom. 1:18-25).
Many proclaim we are to worship Jesus, but, I do not believe this was Jesus' message, otherwise he would of stated so. Jesus stated and demonstrated we are to worship the "Heavenly Father (his name for God, making God personal)." "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, but by me." The religious are unable to hear what Jesus was truly saying. Jesus did not say bow and worship him; but in this verse he simply gave the example of his life as being the only way
to the Father. "When you see my life and how I communicate with the Heavenly Father, you should see how you need to communicate with Him, as well," (Jesus was saying). Jesus also stated very plainly, "The Kingdom of God is within you." John 4:24 for "...God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and truth."
Again, Jesus clearly shows us who and how we are to worship God, the Father. He does not claim to be the Father, who is to be worshipped. Jesus did, however, make the statement, "I and my Father are One;" but that means "in spirit and in purpose." Why? I say in "spirit and purpose" because Jesus also prayed that we may also be One as he and His Father are one. Jesus was demonstrating that if you connect as "One" with your Heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit within your very being, that "Oneness" will manifest outwardly into the physical realm. Even Paul stated he was one of many Jews "who worship God in the Spirit (now inwardly; no longer outwardly), rejoice in Christ Jesus (what he taught and showed them as truth). Apostle John's Revelation 19:10 and 22:9 also exclaim that we should not worship the messenger, but the living God (within all). Many are worshipping Jesus today instead of the Father. Jesus is the "firstfruits of many brethren." He is the "pattern son." According to Paul, you are a "Son of God," as well.
(http://www.angelsghosts.com/who_do_you_worship.html)
The word 'proskuneo' used there in Hebrews 1:6 does not prove that Jesus is to be 'worshipped' but rather it proves that Jesus should be honored, revered, done obeisance to, bowed to, respected, paid homage to, but not worshipped. Worship is reserved for the Almighty God Jehovah and it is to him alone we should render sacred worship. Revelation 22:9 But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"
(http://www.topix.com/forum/religion/jehovahs-witness/TJ4FRJE976N3SMD41)
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matt 15:9)
God does not demand worship because He needs it or desires it, but because it is the means whereby the soul of man can return to the source from which it came. True worship is the recognition or awareness that there is an immense power that is greater than all other powers and that this power is benevolent and helpful toward all creatures. When one can hear the voice of God within himself, and feel its spiritualizing power, he stands in the presence of his Creator and is truly worshipping. (Yoga, p36)
God wants us to worship Him, not from force or awe, but for praise, honor, glory, graditude, thanksfulness, and love to His goodness and love. (Randy, 5/97)
The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.(3rd temptation of Jesus to worship Satan for all the kingdoms) (Dt 6:13)
The worship experience cannot be disconnected from the rest of our life. Rather it must be an epitomizing, a lifting up and making explicit, of the pattern that is present in all our places and times. (Common Sense, p222)