What steps can we take to ensure our worship remains solely focused on God? Where Worship Went Wrong “Therefore the anger of the LORD burned against Amaziah, and He sent a prophet to him, saying, ‘Why have you sought this people’s gods, which could not deliver their own people from your hand?’” (2 Chronicles 25:15) Amaziah’s slide into idolatry started the moment he gave his heart’s allegiance to something that could not save. From his misstep we learn how to keep our worship centered on the One true God. Step 1: Keep Remembering Who Saved You • Salvation is God’s exclusive work—“He alone is my rock and my salvation” (Psalm 62:2). • When victory or success comes, rehearse God’s role out loud. • Write down past deliverances (Joshua 4:6-7) and review them regularly so gratitude crowds out pride. Step 2: Love God With an Undivided Heart • “Hear, O Israel… you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). • Ask: Am I giving God “all,” or does He share affections with hobbies, work, or relationships? • Fast occasionally from good things—music, social media, entertainment—to test where the heart rushes when distractions are gone. Step 3: Eliminate Rivals Early • “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). • If an activity keeps edging out time with God, relocate, reduce, or remove it. • Confess quickly when an idol surfaces; delayed repentance hardens the soil of the heart. Step 4: Measure Everything by Scripture • “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Before adopting a worship song, tradition, or practice, ask: Does this echo biblical truth? • Use Psalm 19:7-11 as a weekly checklist—does my worship reflect God’s law, testimony, precepts, commandments, fear, and judgments? Step 5: Pursue Spirit-Led Worship • “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). • Depend on the Spirit’s enablement (Galatians 5:16) rather than emotional hype or mood lighting. • Pray for fresh filling before gatherings so heart and mind engage together. Step 6: Stay Accountable in Community • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Invite trusted believers to speak up if your focus drifts. • Share testimonies; hearing God’s work in others fuels collective awe. Step 7: Keep Gratitude at the Center • “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). • Begin and end each worship time listing specific mercies received this week. • Gratitude shifts attention from what we want God to do to who He already is. Step 8: Refresh the Covenant Regularly • “Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD” (2 Chronicles 29:10). • Periodically restate your personal commitment aloud—privately and with the congregation. • Mark anniversaries of salvation or milestones with renewed vows of obedience. Putting It All Together When remembrance fuels love, idols are expelled, Scripture guides every choice, the Spirit empowers, community watches over us, gratitude overflows, and covenant love stays fresh, worship remains God-centered—exactly what Amaziah missed and what we, by grace, can maintain. |
    |