Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2)
Whenever men convene to worship, whether, in a local church assembly, the privacy of a home, or on a majestic hillside, it is neither the surroundings nor the social rank of the worshipers that lend to the sanctity of the activity. It is the presence of God. Thus, the worshipers must exercise care in how they approach him.
God is to be approached submissively. There must be a willingness to listen and to obey. (1 Samuel 15:22). God is not impressed with our "productions" and our "performances". He covets an inward devotion of spirit. When the worship is directed toward meeting our carnal needs, it is designated the sacrifice of fools. We must approach God with a desire to turn away from evil, and to focus on the righteousness of God.
God is to be approached sincerely. Our prayers must be calm and deliberate. They must not be filled with vain and empty repetitions. (Matthew 6:7) Solomon states that brevity can be a safeguard against such. It is good to weigh heavily the words of songs and prayers to make sure such are truly directed toward God.
God is to be approached reverently. There is a distinct difference between the position of God and the position of man. We must recognize that God is in heaven. He is unapproachable in rank. He sees every action and knows every thought of our heart. He is keenly aware of every need. Man is feeble and totally dependent on him.
When you come to the place of worship is it for entertainment or edification? Do you come to give graciously to God or to receive? Do you focus on heavenly things or earthly things? Does the worship change you and cause you to reflect on your life, or do you worship to show to the world how are righteous you are? Let us pause between each prayer and each song, and resolve to give the glory to God!
By George Slover
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