Imposition is not a word with an especially nice meaning. To impose one’s self upon another is by definition to force an unwelcome or unfair demand upon that person. In most all cases, when someone tells us that something was an “imposition” they are telling us that they were put out and would have preferred something else to have happened.
And yet, real worship IS an imposition on our human nature, is it not? If we remain in the flesh and have our selfish desires foremost in our minds then the thought and act of real worship is never welcome or easily accomplished. Our bodies, which are passing away, and our minds, which must be renewed daily, will fight the bowing of our knees and the turning of our hearts towards God Almighty and His perfect will. Simply put, to experience real worship we must approach God with humility and allow the Holy Spirit to impose His will upon ours.
When we first start our Christian walk, it can feel unfair and unnatural to empty ourselves of our own wills and seek to adore and commune with God through the Spirit. Our old human nature wants nothing to do with this sort of thing and it is only as we gradually persist in this practice that the Holy Spirit can, little by little, imprint the act of worship upon us so that it becomes as natural as breathing. And like any healthy habit, if we persist we will reap continual rewards but if we slack off or stop for a period of time then it can become difficult to get started again. The more we put into it by seeking God and praising Him for who He is and all that He has done, the better our worship will become for ourselves and those around us.
The upside of real worship and the rewards and benefits that it brings are a topic that could span several full size books. Suffice it to say, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be born out of real worship and God’s presence will be felt strongly. Additionally, those closest to us will be blessed and encouraged in their faith. Finally, and most importantly, God’s Kingdom will grow as we make ourselves useful and grateful vessels for His service.
Real worship of God, in Spirit and truth, is a completely foreign concept to those who are walking in darkness and who have never trusted Jesus as Savior. But for those of us who have the Holy Spirit living inside, real worship of God is a necessity for our spiritual growth and always worth the time and effort. God can use us in incredible ways when we live a life of praise and adoration that is yielded to Him.