Worship and You

One day the famous orator Henry Ward Beecher had to be absent from the Plymouth church where he usually preached.  His brother was invited to speak for him.  The auditorium was crowded, but when it became evident that the eloquent Henry Ward Beecher was not going to appear, many started to leave the building.  The brother of Beecher was not disturbed.  He stood up before the murmuring crowd, called for silence and said, “All who came this morning to worship Henry W. Beecher may leave now.  The rest will remain to worship God.”  As a result, no one left after that.

Reason for Worship

Seems like a constant oversight on the part of some visitors of a gathering,  just what are we there for.  Some, like the Athenians, come only to hear the preacher say “some new thing.” Acts 17:21.  “Is it relevant?  Is it positive?”  These are the mental guidelines used in judging sermons.  Also, the same is true with someone who attended to judge the singing, the prayers, or the friendliness of the congregation.  These go away with a host of criticism, but the thing forgotten here has been worship.

What are we in worship for?  Granted, some are there to “get it over for the week” or “to get their ticket validated once more.”  But those who are there because they need the strength in carrying their crosses know the value in truly worshipping God.  Worship has nothing to do with the song leader or the talent of the preacher.  Rather, it has everything to do with you and your God.

Sincere Worship

As we assemble to worship God, it must be from the heart that is pure.  Jesus said, in Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  Let us not deceive ourselves with worshipping, God.  Our heart must be right with God. Sometimes worship may be in vain, we may honestly believe that the way we worship is pleasing to God, but it must be as God has commanded.  NOTE: Matthew 15:9. “In vain they do worship me, teachings for doctrines the commandment of men.” In the Old Testament writer Jeremiah, said in Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Let people do what they will to please themselves.  “The rest will remain to worship God.”

See also: Identifying the Biblical Church

In Christian Love,
Bill Arnold, Minister
Ridgeway Church of Christ
Harrison, Arkansas