Worship: Part 2 - The War For Worship
We’re made to worship. And worship we must. Everything in us desires, craves, longs to worship God.
And we see a battle, a war in us when it comes to worship.
We place our adoration, attention and praise on people: kids, parents, spouses, friends, heck, even our pets (ok, they aren’t “people” but sometimes we treat them like they are). I don’t know what I’d ever do without you, we think or even say.
We accidentally worship things, too: trees, stars, jewelry, special places, etc.
We revere them. Our admiration is high.
God built us to find our everything in Him. And He knows we misplace our worship, too. It’s why He set the standard for His people (notice, for HIS people not for everyone), right after He brought the Israelites out of slavery:
“ No other gods, only me. No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don’t bow down to them and don’t serve them because I am GOD, your God …” (Exodus 20:3,4)
That’s the first commandment. Look how it’s reiterated in Deuteronomy:
“Deeply respect GOD, your God. Serve and worship him exclusively… Don’t fool around with other gods, the gods of your neighbors …” (6:13,14)
Then drawing on these passages while rumbling with Satan in the wilderness, Jesus shoots back,
“Worship the Lord your God and only the Lord your God. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.” (Luke 4:8)
Now, if you don’t worship the God of the Scriptures (Father, Jesus the Son, and Holy Spirit) you may be thinking: God sounds demanding. Insecure even.
Not at all. He knows there’s always a war for worship. And He’s showing us where to find the culmination of our cravings.
Worship of God is truly life’s climactic experience!
In Christ,
Nancy
I’m real because God is so real.
Your Calling For Today
Notice the language you use and longings that rise up in you when you’re around certain people and/or things. Are they potentially warring for your worship? Just notice.