March 14

True Worship

God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth. — John 4:24 BSB

God loves to be worshiped—to receive the praise, adoration, and honor of His children. In ancient times, burning incense symbolized worship; its sweet aroma rose to heaven, and God was pleased by the fragrance. Just as we are delighted by the scent of flowers, God is pleased with the true worship that rises from believing hearts. He isn’t satisfied with cold, lifeless obedience. What parent would be content with dutiful actions from a child if they came without love, trust, or affection? God cannot be pleased with the most careful outward obedience if it lacks heart. We must obey Him because we love Him.

This word also teaches us how to worship God in a way that pleases Him. True worship must be spiritual. Impressive rituals, beautiful music, and the reciting of creeds and prayers do not make worship. Worship is heartfelt adoration. The only worship that reaches God, whether in a large gathering or in the solitude of private prayer, is the love, praise, and devotion that come from the heart. Formalities alone are not worship; the form must be filled with love and life. No offering or gift has value in worship unless it expresses a heart filled with holy affection.

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t use forms of worship. We need them. Even the simplest and plainest rituals will be pleasing to God if they are filled with heart’s love. But the grandest rituals are empty and offensive to God if there’s no true spiritual worship in them. What matters is what we put into the forms.