Word from Jerusalem
Sunday, November 04, 2007
True Praise
Perhaps I am too critical, but I sometimes experience “praise and worship” that reminds me of makeup, as if they are trying to cover up the missing presence of the Holy Spirit.
By Ludwig Scheider
A rather unpleasant proverb states: “Some women do things to change their appearance for which a secondhand dealer would be put into prison.” Wrinkles are filled in to make one look young again. Of course people who are well-groomed make a better impression than those who are not; nevertheless, godliness and a healthy lifestyle cannot be replaced with cosmetics or covered with makeup.
Perhaps I am too critical, but I sometimes experience “praise and worship” that reminds me of makeup, as if they are trying to cover up the missing presence of the Holy Spirit. Anyone who talks about food all the time is usually hungry. In the same way, an over-emphasis on the Holy Spirit could be a sign that He is not there, and this is covered up with artificial praise and worship.
Yes, God calls His saints to worship Him (Psalm 30:4) for He dwells in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). However, we should not overlook the fact that He is speaking here only about His saints. In other words, the prerequisite for being able to praise God acceptably is the fulfillment of: “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16). Praise and worship must be an expression and consequence of our holy walk with the Lord.
Otherwise, we are just going through the motions. To sing song after song or to have a long sermon to simply fill up the time allotted for the service does not bring the Holy Spirit. Even “spirit-filled” churches can fall into habitual worship that is little more than dry ritual.
“What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me? I have had enough of [them]” (Isaiah 1:11). God does not want quantity, but quality of praise and worship from men and women who are leading a life that has been sanctified by God. Anything else is unacceptable to God for “He who turns away his ear from listening to the Law, even his prayer is an abomination” (Proverbs 28:9).
Korah’s faction lost not only their calling but also their lives because they offered their own fire. They tried to bring down the Holy Spirit on their own. Although singing one verse of a song over and over again may get us into a spiritual mood, it is not necessarily the working of the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
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