Some worship is acceptable and pleasing. Some worship is unacceptable and revolting (cf. Lev. 1:9, 13, 17; Prov. 15:8; 28:9; Isa. 65:5).
So, according to the Word of God, what makes for effective worship?
The Lord reveals three essential elements that make for effective worship in His holy word:
It must be AUTHORIZED by God.
· We cannot bring just any act or idea before God and call it worship and expect Him to accept it. If it is not what God has called for, it is sin. If it has not been authorized by God, it is an abomination, not an option.
· Consider Leviticus 10:1-2. The sons of Aaron bring “unauthorized fire” before God in worship and they are immediately struck down. This historical event serves as a perpetual reminder that God cares about our worship and He only accepts what He authorizes.
· In the age of the church, the sacrifices are different (Heb. 13:15), but the necessity of having God’s authority remains the same. This is why we teach the Word (1 Cor. 4:17), sing (Eph. 5:19), pray (Acts 12:5), give of our means (1 Cor. 16:1-2), and partake of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7).
It must be full of AFFECTION on the part of the worshipper.
· Consider what the Lord told His people in Leviticus 23:39-41. They were to celebrate and rejoice as they gathered and remembered all that the Lord had done for them.
· How could we robotically and stoically coast through worship when we consider the goodness and majesty of God (cf. Heb. 10:22; 12:28; 1 Pet. 2:5)? We are forgiven and Heaven is our home! How could we not worship with emotion, joy, and thanksgiving?
It must be mindful of our ASSOCIATION with others.
· God cares very much about how we treat other people – so much so, it actually affects our worship! If we purposely mistreat our neighbors and brothers & sisters in Christ, the Lord will not accept our worship.
· Passages like Amos 5:21-24, Isaiah 1:12-17, and 1 Peter 3:7 could not be any clearer. Sin against others leads to ineffective, vain worship.
We must do only what is authorized, with great affection, considering our associations. In so doing, our worship will be powerful for us and accepted by our God. Let us praise the God who loves us!
