Jun 7, 2020
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
The old saying warns, "Familiarity breeds contempt." When it comes to worshipping the Almighty, we might say, "Familiarity breeds casualness." Whereas we were once filled with zeal and delight and anticipation when it came to Sunday gatherings at our church, these same gatherings can easily become routine and lifeless.
In Ecclesiastes 5, Solomon addresses our relationship with God,
both in public and private worship. There are at least three
principles which should guide us in our worship. First, worship
must be thoughtful. Ecclesiastes 5:1,2 say: "guard your steps when
you go to the house of God" . . . "draw near to listen" . . . "Be
not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a
word before God . . ."
As we come before God in worship, we must not be casual about it.
We must consider who God is and what we are doing with respect to
Him.
Second, worship must be sincere (Ecc 5:4-6). "When you vow a vow to
God, do not delay in paying it" (Ecc 5:4). Simply put, Solomon is
reminding us to mean what we say (or sing) to God or not to say it
at all.
Third, worship must have an intensity to it (Ecc 5:3,7). It must be focused. Prayers, for example, are not effective simply because they are long. They are effective because they are heartfelt and passionate.
Let us not treat lightly what is holy. We may (and should) approach God joyfully, but it is a serious joy. Because we are in Christ, we may even approach God boldly. But the Scriptures are clear … we may not approach God casually.
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Bethel Baptist Church
24600 Little Mack Ave
St Clair Shores, MI 48080