MAY 23

Luke 18:10-14
Memorise Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart…”

Just as there are idols of the heart, there is also such a thing called the attitude of the heart, or heart condition. The attitude of the heart is something that only the worshipper and the Lord will be able to discern. Luke 18:10-14 gives us a very simple yet graphic illustration of what Jesus considers to be acceptable and what is unacceptable when worshipping God. To come to God in a proud and self-righteous manner will only invoke God’s displeasure. However, to come to God with a broken and contrite heart is pleasing to Him.

This is not to say that we must take self abasement to the extreme and shy away from God, but rather, we have to approach Him while acknowledging in our hearts that we are unworthy people who look to Him alone for our needs. In fact, Hebrews 4:16 tells us to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”, and indeed, we can all approach God in prayer and worship with the confidence that He will receive us as His children because we do so in the name of Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our justification.

Although having a right inward attitude during worship is not something that can readily be seen outwardly, there definitely are certain outward attitudes or postures which are incompatible with approaching God in a reverential manner during worship. Carnal and provocative dressing, adopting a casual and disrespectful posture, eating, drinking, laughing and getting distracted during worship and prayer are unacceptable. If we know who God really is and what we are before Him, we should have no trouble understanding the need for both inward and outward reverence during worship.

How often have we really thought about what goes through our hearts and minds during worship? Do we come to church joyfully because we have had a good week only to appear in church next week angry and resentful because we had a bad week? If this is the case then we have allowed the cares of the world to displace God from His rightful position in our hearts.

Thought: Thinking that I lack nothing, I have everything to lose. Knowing that I am needy, I have everything to gain.
Prayer: Help me see, O Lord, my need for Thee and keep me from pride that I may enjoy the riches of Thy grace forever more.