Are you throwing your holy worship to the hounds of hell?
Living for Jesus Christ in a fallen world isn’t easy- anyone who has had to face the scorn of family and friends knows this to be true, not to mention countless martyrs around the world who have given their lives for Him. But living a Christ-centered life presents a more subtle struggle as well, specifically in worship. You were created to worship. Worship is what unites your heart with His, which has been the Lord’s desire from the first day Adam took a breath- communion together. However, sin separated God and man, making necessary the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Because you were created to live in close communion with God through your worship, Satan actively attacks not only the worshipper, but worship itself. He has counterfeited worship so expertly, leading many to miss connecting with God, even as they sing songs at church. But even more worrisome is the fact that many Christians don’t even discern the harm in secular music and listen to the world’s “worship” more than they worship God. Make no mistake- the music of the world is worship, just not the worship of our holy God. And “What you feed on, you will hunger for” as the adage goes.
Having a “God-consciousness” is an intentional, deliberate act of sacrifice, turning out the world’s noise and turning into the Lord.
Jesus said, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs, nor throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn around and attack you.” (Matthew 7:6) Your worship is holy. What you put into your heart and mind will influence your thinking, and your actions and, ultimately, your life. Having a “God-consciousness” is an intentional, deliberate act of sacrifice, turning out the world’s noise and turning into the Lord. Worship is the link between your spirit and the Spirit of God. However, worship isn’t just a Sunday morning ritual. You can’t worship God on Sunday and listen to the world worship the devil all week long and then wonder why you’re struggling in your faith, or in your life or why you’re not feeling connected to the Lord.
“Do not be deceived,” Paul wrote. “God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) You are worshipping someone, because you cannot help it. You were created to connect on a spiritual level through worship. But to whom are you connecting??
Thought for today
Does this mean you can never, ever listen to a song on the radio again? No. It means, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but [Jesus] chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:19) It means, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) It means, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.“ (1 John 2:15) If you hunger for more of God, if you love God, if you want to know what the will of God is, you must worship God. Turn off the world’s worship, and get your mind and heart fixed on Him in worship. What you sow into your spirit, you will reap from your spirit.
Don’t forget to pick up a copy of The Way of the Worshipper on Amazon – and AVAILABLE NOW you can also purchase The Way of the Worshipper: A Devotional Workbook for deeper study, personal examination and spiritual growth!
