What practical steps can we take to ensure our worship remains God-centered? Setting the scene “ They set up sacred pillars and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree.” (2 Kings 17:10) Israel turned worship into something convenient, culturally acceptable, and self-focused. The result was exile. Their failure warns us and guides us toward God-centered worship today. recognizing the drift – High places were everywhere: worship became scattered and uncontrolled. – Man-made objects replaced God’s appointed altar: personal preference trumped divine command (Deuteronomy 12:2-4). – The heart followed the idols it fashioned (Psalm 115:8). practical steps to keep worship God-centered • Examine our altars – Regularly ask: “Is Christ alone the focus?” (Colossians 1:18). – Compare every tradition, song, or practice with Scripture; keep what aligns, discard what distracts (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Remove the high places – Identify modern idols—status, comfort, entertainment, even ministry success. – Actively dismantle them: adjust schedules, spending, and conversations so God regains first place (Matthew 6:33). • Centralize worship on the finished work of Christ – “We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat.” (Hebrews 13:10) – Celebrate the Lord’s Table, preach the cross, sing the gospel. The spotlight stays on Jesus, not performers or personalities. • Immerse ourselves in the Word – Daily reading and meditation saturate the heart with truth (Joshua 1:8). – Scripture-soaked minds recognize counterfeit worship quickly. • Guard corporate gatherings – Choose lyrics and liturgies rich in biblical content (Colossians 3:16). – Encourage expository preaching so God’s voice, not human opinion, drives the service. – Maintain simplicity that showcases God’s glory, not production value (2 Corinthians 4:5). • Cultivate private devotion – Personal prayer and praise prepare the soul for congregational worship (Psalm 63:1-4). – A week of private neglect cannot be fixed by one hour on Sunday. • Serve others as an act of worship – Presenting our bodies “as a living sacrifice” includes practical love (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:16). – Serving keeps worship from turning inward. • Keep hearts humble and repentant – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) – Confession restores focus on God’s mercy rather than our performance (1 John 1:9). the outcome As we clear the high places, center on Christ, and let Scripture govern every expression, worship stays vertical—honoring the One who is “worthy to receive glory and honor and power” (Revelation 4:11). |
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