Whoops! I’ve done it now. I think I just whacked a sacred cow. Worship. It has become a nearly unassailable wall of late. A band wagon that everyone has jumped on. Right worship or biblical worship is wonderful. Wrong worship is another matter.
I believe everyone should worship. If for no other reason we should worship in order to practice for eternity. Of course biblical worship, I am speaking of the act of attributing “worthiness or respect” to the Lord we should offer always. Somehow, as with many good things, worship has taken on new meanings, been accompanied and involved with things not worthy or respectful.
I am not attempting here to define biblical worship or defend or attack what some may call worship. I am simply offering a warning that we must carefully examine what we call worship and understand our motives for worship.
In Matthew 20:20 we read of the mother of James and John Zebedee coming to Jesus and worshipping Him. But her worship was definitely with a wrong motive. In her worship she was “desiring a certain thing of him.” What do you desire as you come to worship the Lord. As you come, pray, and worship – what motive is in your heart? The worship motive of this woman involved pride, position and recognition. Is that sometimes our motive.
The result of this type of worship, as in the case of this woman, is always destructive and divisive. Indignation arises. Jealousy flourishes. Unholy competition commences. (verses 22-24)
We need to be reminded that worship is about reminding us of the worthiness of Jesus, the purpose of His life and the purpose of ours in relation to His. It is about humility, service and sacrifice. (Matthew 20:26-28) Think about it. Much of the “worship” of today seems to be about something else. When you worship – what do you desire? Be cautious of WRONG WORSHIP.
