There is a difference between praising and honoring and worshiping and here is some of the ways they are intertwined yet separate.
PRAISE and HONOR are closely related
IN our finite realm, we often honor and even “praise” others for their accomplishments.
This can take on many many forms:
The simple (yet fulfilling to the receiver) Smile or all knowing glance – hand shake – kiss – or wave.
The verbal, sincerely meant “thank you”, or greeting card or even public speech.
Praise and honor, can go all the way up to placing the individuals image on a coin … a stamp… or even a trophy – bronze statue or a painting…
But all in all, it is all giving praise…
Praising can (and often is) be done by simply engaging our mind and our mouth…
In short “Praise” would seem to be honoring someone, other than ourselves, as a conscious recognition from within ourselves, of an involvement in some tangible happening… such as “an accomplishment”.. “a creation” ….or any other “improvement on”, or “manipulation of”, something that already exists….
And then there is a negative praising in that of praising ourselves:
Praising ourselves or attempting to extrude honor from others, for ourselves, is often done by quoting the accomplishments of the person or object being praised and expounding on attributes of that object with the prideful intent of attaching ones self too the accomplishment and thereby gaining credibility “along with” the person (or The Being in the case of God) that is actually worthy of such praise.
This is, almost exclusively, done by engaging the mouth and the subconscious mind, and is the showing of ones own insecurities – jealousies and the likes of other prides which hide behind false humilities
Simple examples would be:
“We were together just before he ran the race” or “we spoke during the time she wrote the book”.. or “the day before he died ”I” spoke to him”. Or “I taught him (or her) those techniques and don’t get me wrong “I” really like him (or her) …BUT .. bla bla bla”.
Usually those of us that follow this “clanging cymbal” syndrome can be found, directing “our praise” to God, during public prayer, but secretly hoping our fellowman is taking note of our godly or pious nature and secretly praying (to our self, because God won’t hear it) that our fellowman will praise “us” for doing so…
It is a twisted notion and sadly enough all too common…
And then there is Praising God:
Strangely enough actually Praising God rarely required engaging our mouth…
More so, there would seem to be a connection needed, between our mind and our heart, at which time “body language” or “mental image” (of the minds eye) becomes the important communication devise.
This would seem to be the body language that speaks to our fellowman via the methods by which we are willing to “give our lives” too and for that fellowman thereby honoring God. (while this is important in the social realm, it is a lie unless, it is first perfected at home).
WORSHIP
Worshiping is quite another dimension, which involves The Heart, in willing acknowledgement of a Superiority and the blatant admission that, that Superiority cannot be understood by the mind, but the heart attached to our mind is grateful for the (or any) association with The Object of our worship.
A key factor in loving Worship is that of The Free Will, coupled with humility and knowledge. (both of which are supplied in ample amounts for each soul throughout there “time” on earth)
“Worship” would seem to be “Praising” God for The ability and willingness to command authority over the Non-tangible realities. (Such as the virtues of Faith – Hope – Love)
Therefore whenever such gifts are bestowed into the finite realm, acknowledgment of and honoring the gift is in order.
Such acknowledgment cannot be adequate with words, in that, any and all of the words that the mind commands, fall short of being able to explain non-tangible realities (this too would seem to be a viable part of Gods design of the finite realm) and this is where the unexplainable “feeling of heart” (which God alone sees in its’ transparent nature) is necessary .
WE humans often seem to confuse or omit any type of distinction, between praising – honoring, and worshiping. This is something that has a tendency to cause us to misdirect our truly heartfelt emotions and or water them down to simply using our mind and our mouth leaving our hearts (the less tangible unit in the equation) out of the process.
A cute anecdote:
This brings to mind a story of a Sermon:
This “Homily” has never actually be heard by me other than in jest, although the story of it has been resounded throughout many a denomination by Clergy and lay person alike.
It is known as the Best and Shortest Sermon Ever….It Goes Like this:
1). A hot day in late summer, is the setting, when the fishing is good and the ballgames are at the exciting time of the season.
2). All the members of the congregation are sweating. (here embellish details as needed)
3). The Pastor of the Flock ascends to the pulpit, after long readings from both Old and New Testaments.
4). The Pastor, clears his throat, throws both hands into the air, and in a COMMANDING VOICE (Like Fr Corapi) states:
5). “Folks There IS A GOD”.
6). Then shaking his head and in a softer ..more compassionate, yet stern and understanding voice, beckons:
7). “And You Are NOT Him”. Amen.
The point being, we are to honor our fellow man, even give praise for encouragement.
It is a God Given method by which we can show honor to God via the love and respect we owe (and pay) to our fellowman, for the privilege of seeing Gods workings through that person.
Although once we cross over the line of vainly praising our fellowman for accomplishments that he (or she) has procured, via The Grace of God, (to which they owe Worship for) we are then making THAT PERSON or OURSELVES, into a god..
This is, often, the point at which the individual that has fallen into that trap, individually attempts to attach themselves too (or even surpass) the “other fellowman” in the effort of drawing the praise of others (or even worship) onto themselves, because The True God (and owner of all) is really no were in the picture.
IN CONCLUSION
Jesus, being the Savior of all Mankind and in Unity with The Father and The Holy Spirit is far more than “worthy”, far more than “deserving”, of all mankind’s Worship.
Even far beyond the point that, while Worshiping The Triune God Alone is imperative, Praising God Alone would seem inadequate.
HE MUST BE PRAISED in All of His Works, In All of His Words, AND HONORED In All of His Creations. THIS is where Praise and Honor and Worship become ONE and the Heart and Mind and Mouth will find Unity.