Worship is not about a building or even the way we participate in it. It’s not about the way in which we dress or the kind of music we sing. It’s not even about how well the pastor presented the message. The Word of God clearly teaches that it begins and ends with our relationships.
Matthew 5:23-24 clearly states that, "If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." (NASB)We are not worshipping the Lord at all if we have sinned against another person and are unwilling to repent of our sin and take full responsibility for our offenses.
Jesus constantly confronted the Pharisees, the religious leaders of His day. He was concerned about their actions, because they only had the appearance of righteousness. Jesus has never been fooled or impressed by deeds of piety from a heart lacking pure motives or lacking right relationships with Him or other people.
The Lord does not want us to even seek worship with a heart pretending all is well when it isn't. In fact, He does not listen to our prayers when we are harboring sin. Until we deal with our sins against other people or our sinful attitudes toward those who have hurt us, our fellowship is broken with our Savior. It means nothing to the Lord and does nothing for us spiritually, except deceive us into a false sense of security.
We have been warned in 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 about the dangers of partaking in the Lord's Supper in a wrong manner. The prophet Samuel reminded King Saul that "it is better to obey then to sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22, NASB). The Lord wants our sacrifices of praise and adoration for Him poured out from a heart completely yield to His Word.
Worship is not only about Sunday morning, but it’s about our day-to-day living in a loving relationship with our Heavenly Father, Savior, and other people. If we are unwilling to attempt to do all that is possible on our part to restore the horizontal relationships in our lives, then the Lord is not interested in our attempts at worship with Him (Romans 12:18). In fact, we might as well stay home in bed, because we are no better than the Pharisees acting “religious" for an hour.
May we all willingly, openly, and transparently evaluate our hearts and our relationships with the Lord and other people today. May we say as David said in Psalm 139:23-34, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way." (NASB) The everlasting way is the reward to a vulnerable heart before the Lord, and a heart that has learned to truly worship the Savior daily.
» left by Susan Thom(11,940) Susan Thom (1 year 243 days ago.)
hi beckie,
this was a well written, interesting article.
i happen to feel the same way. God knows what is in our hearts and souls, and i know it's best to act out of a loving, caring self. thanks for sharing,
best regards,
sue thom Respond to this comment
» left by Beckie (1 year 243 days ago.)
Sue, Thank for reading and your encouraging words. My prayer is to challenge the reader and hope I did so. Respond to this comment
» left by Beckie (1 year 243 days ago.)
Laura, Thanks for reading and commenting on my article. I had to remind myself and hope to encourage others as well. Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa Ortiz(10,001) Teresa Ortiz (1 year 243 days ago.)
Hi Becky, the truth is hard to swallow, but it is a great reminder. It's true that our sin separates us from God- I have that Isaiah passage highlighted in my Bible.
I would only add that many times depending on the offense, we cannot make peace in our horizontal relationships until we have fellowship with God. I believe Scripture gives us the balance. It's when we pretend everything is okay and we refuse to repent, then God will not hear, but if we say, Lord, I want to repent, I want to forgive, but it hurts so bad right now--heal me so that I will be able to do as you ask--now that is something the Lord will hear and honor.
Thanks for much for the reminder to walk honestly before the Lord. We are told that we are to worship in spirit and in truth. Psalm 139:23024 is one of my favorites! God bless you and keep sharing. Your words are very encouraging. Respond to this comment
» left by Beckie (1 year 243 days ago.)
Teresa, Thank you for your words of encouragement. I agree that what the Lord wants is a willing heart to make things right and when the pain is deep, working that all out can be hard, but He wants us willing. Appreciate what you shared. Respond to this comment
» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr.(5,067) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (1 year 242 days ago.)
What a truly excellent article for believers to consider. I suspect no one could add anything else, you said it nicely. Good job. I'd like somemore keep writing to it. All the best Respond to this comment
» left by Beckie (1 year 242 days ago.)
Thank you Robert, for reading my article and for your kind and encouraging words. My heart desire is to encourage one and all in their walk with the Lord and I am grateful for those readings in my life that challenge my heart and walk with my Savior. I appreciate your words, brother. Respond to this comment
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