Heart worship is the most precious thing in the sight of God. The only worship that God accepts is that priceless jewel the love and devotion of the heart.
Nor is it hard to see why it is so; for it is plain that if a man had kept all the rituals of the Mosaic law, yet he might not be a sincere worshiper of God at all. He might drive whole flocks of his sheep to the temple to sacrifice; and yet he might feel no love or reverence for the Highest God.
It has been proved times without number, that the most careful and zealous attention to external religious ceremonies, is quite consistent with the absolute absence of any true communion with God, and hearty love for Him. The conscious lack of inward, vital, and saving grace may even drive a man to a more intense zeal in religious formalities, in order to conceal the sins in his heart. It is written, "Israel has forsaken his Maker, and builds temples." You would think that if a man would build temples, then he must love and reverence God. But it is not so.
Beneath the folds of priestly vestments, ordained ministers often attempt to cover over their wicked hearts.
Fine music often proceeds from proud hearts. The smoke of incense often becomes a cloud which attempts to conceal a man from the face of God.
It is no doubt that certain rich men who give large contributions to religious causes, often do it in pride to show off their wealth, or to display their generosity. A large monetary gift might be nothing more than a bid for popular esteem and so it is a mere offering to selfishness and vanity. With such sacrifices, God is not pleased.
Alas, how easy it is to defile the worship of God, until it becomes an odious stench to Him.
Singers may lift up their sweet voices, so that others may hear how charmingly they sing.
Ministers may preach with eloquence, so that they may be admired for their exquisite speech.
Believers may even pray devoutly, so that their fellow Christians may see how pious they are.
Alas! This blight of SELF may come into any and every part of religious service and turn the worship of God into an occasion for self-glorification!
[Charles H. Spurgeon]
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John 4:23-24 ... But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Matthew 15:8-9 ... This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Philippians 3:3 ... For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. ❤
