JUN 18

Leviticus 10:1-2
Memorise Deuteronomy 4:2
“…What thing soever I command you, observe to do it…”

WHAT IS OUR STYLE OF WORSHIP? (I)

In the past few decades, the styles of worship in churches have changed tremendously. Not too long ago, our Christian parents worshipped in churches that used the traditional organ and piano. Today, the majority of churches not only use different instruments, they also seem to sing and even pray differently. The music used is very contemporary, and appeals to the new, younger generation. The atmosphere, lighting and setting seems designed to create a certain feel and ambience. Messages are shorter, light-hearted, and tailored to entertain and amuse. Churches that adopt these worship styles seem to find good success, at least numerically speaking.

We must thus ask: is this recent shift in worship styles one that is good in the sight of the Lord? Is He pleased with it? Many have stated that these changes are just a matter of preference. They claim that it is just a reflection of the times. There is no good or bad, for everything is relative, and it is simply a matter of tastes and preferences. How do we know if these changes are ok? Do we ask church leaders? Do we ask psychologists? Do we look at numbers? Where can we turn to find the truth?

Thank God that He has given us His Word. God has not left us helpless, unable to find His will for us. Even in the matter of worship, God has given us clear instructions found in His Word on how He is to be worshipped. How we worship God cannot be decided by man. Only God can decide that. He made this very clear in the example of Nadab and Abihu. As priests, they were supposed to represent the people in worshipping God. However, as they gathered for the very first act of worship in the newly constructed tabernacle, they concocted their own brand of worship, thinking that they could offer ‘strange fire’ to the Lord. God judged them instantly, and they died because of it. The lesson that we must learn from this incident is that God rejects wrong forms of worship. Yes, there is such a thing as a wrong form of worship. It is not a matter of preference. There is a right and a wrong way and God has taught us from Scripture what is the right way. What we can also glean from this incident is that God is deeply serious about this. Nadab and Abihu paid for this mistake with their lives. God expects nothing less from us today.

Thought: Why has God not dealt with people who worship wrongly likewise?
Prayer: Father, teach me to worship You in a manner acceptable to You.