Annie
Scripture:
Philippians 3:3
Romans 2:29
Romans 8:14-16
Galatians 4:6
John 4:3-24
In our everyday lives we are encouraged to live a “balanced lifestyle”. We are told that our diet must contain protein, carbohydrates and the all important 5+ a day helpings of fruit and vegetables. As well as our balanced diet, we need to make sure we keep ourselves motivated and occupied, be very careful to exercise daily, yet make time for hobbies and, most importantly, have enough sleep. Thus, we achieve our balanced lifestyle, and it is great advice which, for the most part, we do our best to follow, because we can see its benefits.
I began to think about the parallel in our spiritual lives, and to wonder if I take as much time ensuring that I achieve theperfectbalance that Jesus speaks of to the woman at the well in Sychar. Am I doing all I can to be a true worshipper, diligently worshipping in Spirit and in Truth?
Before we even begin that journey, we have to ask ourselves “what is worship?” Dictionary definitions use words such as respect, reverence and love to describe what worship means, as well as the physical acts of bowing down, praying and singing. But what do we understand Jesus to have meant? Throughout His earthly life, Jesus would have lived out the first and greatest commandment, to love the Lord His God with all His heart, soul, mind and strength. It is this commandment that has to be the basis for what we understand “true worship” to mean.
Whether we are sharing time with fellow believers, lifting our voices to the King of kings, or on our knees speaking words that have echoed down the ages, our worship must only ever be to praise and honour our Saviour God. Many years ago we were on holiday in the UK and came across an ancient church on a small hill, with not a house in sight. It was unlocked and we entered into a space that was filled with the presence of God. There were no outward embellishments or richly adorned icons or altars, but for one old window with the sunlight casting its hues onto the stone floor. The sense of wonder and awe for God, not the building, filled us and we simply stood in silence, wrapped in reverent worship. For me, this was one of the most insightful moments of my worship life. The truth of the words of Paul “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” were so real and alive. The truth of these words dismissed any doubt that we were allowing feelings to overcome us, we knew that Holy Spirit was moving us into this very different worship of our Abba Father.
Our way of worship that glorifies God alone, that comes from knowing we are set apart, made solely to bring glory and honour to His Name, founded upon the truth of His Word and full of His Love, is a sign to the world that we belong to the One True God. Just as circumcision was the sign to the world that the nation of Israel were God’s people, so “we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh”.
To worship in Spirit and in Truth is wondrous. It is to abandon all other pretences of adoration, to be immersed in the love that flows from the Father, through His Holy Spirit who dwells in true believers. We must keep seeking the Truth of God’s Word, to see the fulfilment of prophecy in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the Truth. It is to realise that all worship must stem from God and flow back to Him from humble, adoring hearts.
Prayer: By Holy Spirit we cry out to You, Abba Father, to guide us as we seek to worship You, glorify You and honour You alone, in Spirit and in Truth. Amen
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