Humans worship. Humanity is designed for worship. Even the so-called atheist worships something, possibly self. There is no escaping the fact that mankind always finds something or someone to attach their affections to, and that thing becomes the focal point of worship whether consciously or unconsciously.
When tempted by Satan, Jesus reminded him; “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve’” (Luke 4:8). Even though Satan knew this, he continued in rebellion against His creator instead of worshiping his creator. Satan’s problem is, as Isaiah 14:14 explains, he said in his heart “I will make myself like the Most High.” Well, Satan failed miserably! Not only is he NOT at all like the Most High, but he now worships himself only, which is the ultimate form of idolatry.
It is God’s holiness which qualifies Him to be worshipped above all else. Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11). Revelation 15:3-4 tells of the coming time when as King of the nations! 4 Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you. As John looked forward with certainty to this future time, he could see earth’s population coming together to worship God through the Lamb as King (Rev 15:3a).
Truly, God alone is worthy of our worship, but we sinners disqualify ourselves for worship. Plus, of our own desires we do not want to worship Him. But, in the grace of God, He has provided one way by which we may approach Him to offer acceptable worship. And that one way is through the one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). Because the blood of Jesus God’s Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7) we are able to draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean… (Hebrews 10:22). As cleansed, forgiven sinners, we now desire to worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus… (Philippians 3:3).
Therefore, take care to let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism (self-denial which is falsely motivated) and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind (Colossians 2:18). Worship of our experience is NOT worship, but idolatry. False worship is cunning in the way it side tracts our focus from Christ alone and somehow inserts ourselves into the expression of worship, making our worship experience the thing most valued.
Worship can take on many forms, but it’s focus should always be the same – God through Christ. Everything we are, and everything we do, inwardly and outwardly, is to be expressive of worship to God through Christ. This adds meaningful purpose to the most mundane activities. It lifts our eyes above life’s difficulties to God’s glorious purposes which are uniquely fulfilled through our struggles. Worship in the midst of pain is a powerful testimony to angelic beings of God’s worthiness and our purpose in life (Ephesians 3:10). It’s a testimony to the world that Christ is of greater significance than our comfort.
We look continuously to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). We understand that Jesus is our only point of access to God. In our hearts we join the heavenly proclamation, worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing! (Revelation 5:12). We worship, and He is worthy of our worship!
