In what ways can we ensure our worship remains pure and God-focused? Seeing the Lesson in the Wall “Then He brought me to the entrance to the court. I looked and saw a hole in the wall.” (Ezekiel 8:7) Behind that small opening, Ezekiel found idolatrous images defiling the temple. A worship space that looked holy from the outside concealed corruption within. God’s message is unmistakable: worship must be pure all the way through, not merely outwardly impressive. Expose the Hidden Places • Invite the Spirit’s searchlight: “Search me, O God, and know my heart…See if there is any offensive way in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Examine motives, not just actions—why we sing, serve, or give. “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” (Matthew 15:8-9) • Confess and forsake anything competing with God’s glory; even cherished traditions can become idols. Remove Every Idol, Great or Small • First Commandment priority: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) • Flee modern idols—status, comfort, entertainment, self-image—just as Israel was told to smash carved images (2 Kings 23:24). • “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” (1 Corinthians 10:14) Anchor Worship in God’s Word • Scripture defines acceptable worship; opinions or trends do not. “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) • Read, sing, and pray the Word corporately (Colossians 3:16). • Test every song, sermon, and practice against biblical teaching (Acts 17:11). Pursue Heart-Engaged, Spirit-Led Worship • God seeks worshipers who “worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24) • Yield to the Spirit’s leading; avoid empty ritualism and emotional manipulation. • Offer the whole self: “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1) Cultivate Reverent Community Accountability • Ezekiel saw leaders sinning together; purity thrives when believers encourage and correct one another in love (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Elders guard doctrine and practice (Titus 1:9). • Regularly celebrate the Lord’s Supper “in a worthy manner,” examining ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:27-28). Keep the Focus on God’s Glory Alone • Everything done “whether in word or deed” must honor Christ (Colossians 3:17). • Reject entertainment-driven approaches that spotlight performers rather than the Lord (Psalm 115:1). • Measure success by faithfulness and transformed lives, not attendance or applause. Live Monday Through Saturday Worship • Genuine worship overflows into obedience at home, work, and community (Micah 6:8). • Consistent daily devotion guards against Sunday-only spirituality (Deuteronomy 6:5-7). • When life itself becomes worship, gatherings remain God-focused and pure. Purity of worship begins by peering through the “hole in the wall” of our hearts, removing every idol, and exalting the Lord alone. |
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