Day 102 Through The Bible
Day 102
The Dangers of Using the World’s Things in Worship: A Call for Purity in Our Devotion to God
In today’s world, the lines between secular culture and spiritual practice are often blurred. Many are tempted to incorporate elements of the world into their worship, believing that it will make their faith more appealing or relatable. But what does Scripture say about this? Is it okay to use worldly elements—things not inherently evil—in our worship practices? According to the Bible, the answer is no. Let's take a closer look at how God's Word teaches us about pure worship and why we must guard against the influence of worldly attractions.
Biblical Principle: Absolute Truth from God’s Word
In Deuteronomy 12:1-5, God gives specific instructions to His people about how they should worship Him once they enter the Promised Land. These verses set forth a clear distinction between the practices of the world and the pure worship God requires from His people:
"Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: and ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. Ye shall not do so unto the LORD your God. But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come."
These verses provide a vital principle: God's people are not to use the world’s things in worship, even if they aren’t inherently evil. Mountains, hills, trees, altars, and pillars are not evil in and of themselves. However, if the world has used these items for idol worship, God's people must not follow suit. This principle is a clear directive to avoid mixing the sacred with the profane. If the world has claimed something as a symbol of their worship, it should be removed from our presence, lest we be tempted to follow their example.
God desires His people to worship Him in purity—separate from the practices of the surrounding nations. As believers, our worship is to be distinct and reflective of the holiness of God. We should not use worldly attractions to draw people to God. Our focus should be on the truth of God's Word, His presence, and the power of the gospel to transform lives—not on the use of things or practices that the world has co-opted.
Practical Application: Avoiding Flesh-Centered Worship
The temptation to focus on making worship pleasing to the flesh is real. This is a critical area where many fall into error. The apostle Paul warns us in Colossians 2:18-23 about the danger of letting fleshly desires influence our worship:
"Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, humility, and neglecting the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."
In this passage, Paul addresses the dangers of will worship—worship driven by human effort or desires rather than by the truth of God’s Word. He specifically points out the futility of ascetic practices and man-made rules that only serve to feed the fleshly mind. These things may appear humble or spiritually rigorous but do not lead to true godliness. True worship is not about making our flesh happy or following rituals that feel good; it’s about humbling ourselves before the living God and seeking His will, not our desires.
Guarding Against Fleshly Worship
So, how can we guard ourselves against this temptation? The answer lies in focusing on the truth of God’s Word and staying centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our worship must be Christ-centered, not man-centered. We must examine our motives for worship—are we seeking to glorify God, or are we trying to satisfy our desires or the desires of those around us?
To help us stay pure in our worship, here are some practical steps:
Examine your heart – Reflect on why you worship the way you do. Is it to bring glory to God, fit in with the world, or please others?
Reject worldly practices – Be cautious about incorporating practices, symbols, or trends from the world into your worship. If the world has co-opted something for idolatry or secular purposes, avoid using it in your worship.
Focus on God’s Word – Let your worship be rooted in the truth of Scripture, not human traditions or fleshly desires. The Bible is our guide, providing everything we need for godly worship.
Seek purity in your practices. Whether you pray, sing, or give, make sure your acts of worship are focused on pleasing God, not your own fleshly desires or the expectations of the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, God’s Word is clear: we are called to worship Him in spirit and truth, avoiding worldly things that may distract us from pure devotion. The temptation to mix the sacred with the secular is accurate, but we must stand firm in God’s principles. Let us diligently guard our hearts and practices, ensuring that our worship remains focused on honoring God and not satisfying our desires. May we seek purity in our worship, rejecting the world’s ways and instead clinging to the unchanging truth of God’s Word?
