"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the spirit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before Him in their worship. God is sheer being itself--Spirit. Those who worship Him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration" (John4:24, The Message).
For it is not where we worship that counts, but how we worship--is our worship spiritual and real? "Spiritual" worship is worship that is filled with gratitude for the presence and activity of God in our lives. This is the continual outflow of appreciation wherever we are and in whatever condition we find ourselves. Worship that is "real" has no hypocrisy, no bondage of sin to impede its expression and no fear of man to dampen its ardor. It is from the treasure chest of our hearts, accompanied by the music of our souls in reverent speech and good deeds. It is every righteous thought and compassionate deed sent forth by love to bless. Worship that is real and spiritual is prayerful without ceasing, with tears of sorrow or joyful exaltation; in want or in plenty; with quiet meditation or shouts of celebration. Worship involves the whole person--heart, soul, mind and strength. Think about it.
© S.M. Hudson, Hidden Treasure Ministries, December 2003. All rights reserved.
Categories: forgiveness
