What steps can we take to ensure our worship remains pure and God-centered? The Broken Example: Manasseh’s Altars in the Temple “ And he built altars to all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.” (2 Kings 21:5) Manasseh dragged foreign worship right into God’s house. His misplaced altars warn us that worship turns impure the moment anything—no matter how popular—pushes God from the center. Step 1: Return to Scripture Alone • Anchor every song, sermon, and symbol in the written Word (Psalm 119:105). • Filter new ideas through the clear commands of Exodus 20:3–5—no rivals, no images, no compromise. • Let Colossians 3:16 guide gatherings: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell among you…” Step 2: Remove Competing Loyalties • Ask, “Would this practice exist if Jesus were physically seated in our sanctuary?” • Eliminate trends that spotlight personalities, politics, or entertainment (Isaiah 42:8). • Tear down modern “altars” of convenience—self-promotion, consumerism, emotional hype—that edge out humble adoration. Step 3: Center on Christ, the True Temple • John 2:19–21 reminds us that Jesus replaces every earthly structure; He alone mediates God’s presence. • Fix sermons, prayers, and sacraments on His finished work (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Sing lyrics that exalt His character, cross, and coming kingdom. Step 4: Offer Lives, Not Just Lips • Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • Purity of heart (Psalm 24:3-4) matters more than flawless performance. • Live Monday-Saturday in the same awe you voice on Sunday—integrity protects worship. Step 5: Guard the Atmosphere of Reverence • Set apart the gathering with prayerful silence before and after services (Habakkuk 2:20). • Read large portions of Scripture aloud; God’s voice should dominate ours (1 Timothy 4:13). • Maintain modest visuals and lighting that serve, not distract from, God’s glory. Step 6: Pursue Community Accountability • Invite trusted believers to challenge drift (Galatians 6:1-2). • Regularly review worship practices against biblical standards; repent quickly when misaligned. • Celebrate testimonies of heart change, not performance success, so the spotlight stays on God. Living the Lesson Manasseh’s misplaced altars show how swiftly impurity enters when we relax our guard. Keep Scripture central, Christ supreme, and personal holiness active. By uprooting every rival and exalting the Lord alone, our worship remains the pure, God-centered offering He seeks. |
    |