Bible Thoughts

August 22, 1999

It is common practice among most people to prepare for what they consider to be a worthy event. Many can remember the preparation that went into the Fourth of July celebrations of years past in many small towns over the country. How about the amount of work that may go into a county fair? What about the preparation for the Super Bowl? What men value, they get ready to appreciate and enjoy.

It should be the aim of every Christian to properly prepare for worship. Oh, we speak not of making sure one has on a clean shirt and other decent and modest apparel, but of the condition of the person spiritually. What are some actions one can take to prepare for worship?

The one who intends to worship God should come with a clean heart. Paul encouraged Timothy to follow after proper service with "them that call on the name of the Lord out of a pure heart"(II Timothy 2:22). The unclean are not in a position to worship Jehovah and one is not prepared to so serve until he is clean.

In order to fully and freely worship God, one must have a willing heart. The Lord has never accepted begrudged service. He desires that one who would praise him give full and honest consent from within. Even in the matter of giving of one's means, Paul instructs that it not be "grudgingly"(II Corinthians 9:7). Man is best seen as a free moral agent when he desires to do God's will.

When we come to worship God, we should bring a zealous heart. The example of Christ should inspire each disciple. "And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up"(John 2:17). The burning desire to serve the God of heaven will give meaning to any person's worship.

The worship of God demands an eager heart. Even the Hebrews of the Old Testament demonstrated this eagerness as they approached the place of service, singing their psalms of praise. One Psalm included, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord" (122:1). Such an attitude would cure tardiness and destroy the urge to get away from services as soon as possible. There would be no regret and no delay, just an attitude of "I can't wait to get there and I don't want to leave." Christians might learn to appreciate their brethren more if they became better acquainted with them.

As one approaches Jehovah, he will worship with a thankful heart. How could it be otherwise for a faithful disciple? As one lifts up a prayer to God, can he not be conscious of the dependence that one has on God as well as what God has done for him? Or, as he sings praises, can he not pour out a grateful song? When one partakes of the Lord's Supper, is he not to be thankful for Christ's sacrifice? Or, as he contributes, does he not feel grateful for what God has given him? As one hears the lessons from God's word, can he not be appreciative of being able to learn? Yet, before he utters his first prayer, sings his first song, or listens to his first lesson, one should be thankful that God made him and allows his continued existence.

Are you thankful for the opportunity to worship God today? Are you thankful each first day? How about for other services?

God has done so much for us; we have done so little for him. Worship him and meet with his saints at every opportunity.

Much has been said about love, what is involved and how it is manifested. It is essential to the life of a Christian and no one can reach Heaven without such everyone should agree. Paul said it, did he not, in the above passage, "Walk in love"? What does it involve and what does one have to do in order to walk in love? How is this love shown? demonstrated? accomplished?

First of all, it should not be left to man to define such. Most humans are filled with pre-conceived ideas on emotions and will embrace all sorts of actions, feelings, and thoughts-- calling such love. In reality, the only way to love the Lord is to walk in his commandments(I John 5:3). One demonstrates his affection for the Lord and His cause by finding and obeying Christ's will.

Although we are to love all people, Jesus did not say, "Go into all the world and love one into the kingdom." The alien must be taught the gospel and respond to the truth in order to be saved. Love for a person's soul will lead the disciple to teach the alien the word of God. Love for God will cause one to respond to the truth.

Do you know of anyone who believes in the Lord that does not believe in the need for love? The problem is not the emotion of love, it is whether one will obey as a result of that love. This is the reason Christians teach so much on obedience. Jesus did not say, "Go into all the world and love them into the kingdom," he said to go and preach. Love as an emotion cannot save: only obedience because of love will save a person. True love for the Lord who died for us will be seen in the willingness of a person to accept and do what Christ commands. "But if any man loveth God, the same is known by him"(I Corinthians 8:3).

(The above was the common attitude expressed in the days in which it was written. How sad that so many have departed from that attitude and sought the ways of those who do not respect Bible authority.)