“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24
We as God’s people are called to worship him. We are saved to declare his praises not only in this life but for all eternity as well.
Which is why worship is such an important aspect of our faith!
Yet there are acceptable and unacceptable forms of worship to God.
Let’s start with what is not acceptable.
A double-minded offering of praise is unacceptable to God. Friendship with the world means enmity against God.
Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. (James 4:4)
We cannot serve both the wealth and pleasures offered by this world and God at the same time. (Matthew 6:24)
God calls for our full and undivided allegiance to him.
A ritualistic worship is unacceptable to God. This refers to an insincere or self-righteous form of worship. Any person who engages in the practices of worship without meaning it or uses them to make themselves look good to others will be rejected by God.
Finally, an ignorant worship is not glorifying to God. We must know the God whom we worship because He is the one who has first revealed himself to us. He is the self-existing One and He alone gives life to us. Christ is also the exact representation of God and contains the fulness of God in him!
So what is acceptable worship?
It is worship that is in Spirit and in truth. This means our lives being submitted to the Spirit’s leading and our works strengthened by the Spirit. It means coming to God in humble prayer each day for His Spirit’s guidance and empowering.
Worship in truth also means our lives lived according to the truth of God’s word without compromise. This calls for us to read his word regularly and faithfully.
Such worshippers are true worshippers in God’s sight!
Some reflections:
- Are we guilty of being double-minded, ritualistic or ignorant in our worship of God? Let’s repent of them today.
- Are we willing to submit yourself to the Spirit and live according to God’s truth? Let’s go to the Lord in prayer and read his word.
Have a blessed day and weekend ahead!🙏