“For where two or three are gathered together
in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” Mt 18:20
What’s
your greatest hindrance to worshiping God as you gather with the church for
corporate worship? Some of the following
may be possible answers…the song leader, the worship team, the liturgy may be
too stifling, the preacher is uninspiring, and the church is too small or even
too big. While one or all of the above should
not be minimized as part of corporate worship, our greatest problem when it
comes to worshiping God doesn't lie outside of us, but within our own hearts. John
closes his first letter by stating: “Little
children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 Jn 5:21).
In other words, don’t let your eyes and heart wonder from the glory of Christ
Jesus as your greatest source of joy, satisfaction and spiritual
authority. Idolatry creeps into a heart when
one thinks that if (X) is not present then worship is unattainable. The issue
is simple, if (X) is not Jesus and that in and of itself is not sufficient, you
have an idol issue when it comes to corporate worship. Jesus reveals himself in many ways; the word
read and preached, Lord Supper, fellowship with brethren, songs and prayers. But
when we make those means – or more specifically the execution of those means –
the basis for determining our connection with God, then we've added an unnecessary barrier between us and Jesus. When we attend the gathering of the saints as idolatrous
consumers and judges rather than grateful receivers and servants we brought
idols before Christ; let’s not let idols keep us from reveling in the inexpressible
joy that our sins are forgiving and we are reconciled to God through Christ
Jesus!
As
Christians you would pray that Jesus would be enough! Are you looking for more?
(Heb 12:28-29)
HSAY…Todd
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