How can we ensure our worship is God-centered, not self-centered, like Amos 6:5? a sobering reminder from Amos 6:5 Amos 6:5: “You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments.” Israel turned worship into self-entertainment, ignoring the Lord who deserved the praise. what god-centered worship looks like • Rooted in God’s revelation, not personal creativity alone (Psalm 96:1–4) • Aimed at God’s glory, not personal satisfaction (Psalm 115:1) • Saturated with truth and spirit (John 4:23-24) • Marked by reverence and awe, because “our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29) • Overflowing from lives presented as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2) signs of self-centered worship • Selective focus on style, comfort, or atmosphere while neglecting obedience • Lyrics and prayers filled with “I, me, my” more than “You, Yours, His” • Emotional highs pursued without submission to scriptural truth • Service offered only when spotlighted • Church treated as entertainment instead of holy assembly (Isaiah 1:13-15) practices that keep worship vertical • Daily Scripture intake so “the word of Christ richly dwells” and shapes songs, prayers, testimonies (Colossians 3:16) • Regular confession, yielding the heart God desires—“a broken and contrite spirit” (Psalm 51:17) • Skillful yet humble music “with all your might” to the Lord, not to men (1 Chronicles 15:19; Colossians 3:23-24) • Acts of mercy and justice, since praise divorced from righteous living is rejected (Micah 6:8; Amos 5:24) • Gospel-centered gatherings that remember Christ crucified and risen (1 Corinthians 11:26) heart checks for ongoing faithfulness • Determine whether God’s character and works are clearly exalted in each element of worship • Weigh preferences against biblical directives • Look for fruit—humility, holiness, love for neighbor—flowing from corporate worship • Keep eternity in view, joining the heavenly anthem: “Worthy is the Lamb” (Revelation 5:12) living the lesson When Scripture governs content, motive, and expression, believers avoid the Amos 6:5 trap. Worship begins with seeing God as He reveals Himself, moves outward through surrendered hearts and obedient lives, and returns to Him the honor due His name. |
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