A frequent topic in many churches is the style of music.  Worship is an important part of our life.  It's a shame that it is often one of the most controversial. No one style of worship is necessarily right or wrong, and we should all have the freedom to worship in our own way.  However, there is a practical issue when there are a limited number of services.  And, trying to be everything to everyone often leads to being nothing to no one.

I find it interesting that Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman led to a discussion of worship.  When confronted with her sin, she changed the subject, "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place we must worship is in Jerusalem."  Jesus responded that there will come a time when she will "worship ... neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem."  What did he mean?

The Samaritan woman did not have a relationship with the object of her worship.  Her worship was a ritual and did not have an impact on her life.  But, in verses 25 and 26, that all changes, because Jesus reveals himself to her.

4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh (he that is called Christ): when he is come, he will declare unto us all things. 4:26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am `he'.

John 4:25-26 ASV

Jesus had just proclaimed to her that what he had to provide would be like  "a spring of water welling up ..."  When we have a relationship with Jesus, our worship is ever present.  It wells up inside of us and overflows into an outward expression.  We may sing, we may share ... we experience God in our walk.  Regarding worship, Jesus said that "a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth for they are the kind of worshipers that the Father seeks."  His relationship with us ... our response to him ... opens the door to true worship.

The fruit?  The encounter led to a true experience and relationship for the Samaritan woman.  She introduced her "town" to Jesus.  Worship became more than a place or a ritual.  Worship was a wellspring of life.