When a woman asked Jesus what the right method of worship is, God said: "It is time to show your loyalty. I need Christians who worship me with heart and soul."
In her opinion, there are only two ways of worship-Samarian worship and Jewish worship. However, neither of them met God's requirements.
Samarian worship has no root of truth because they only knew about Torah and refused to learn about other contents of the Old Testament. Such worship still remains in today's church. Pastor John MacArthur thought this kind of worship is more based on emotions than understanding of gospel.
No worshipper is more "emotional" than psychics of Shia Islam. They cut their scalps and hit their body with sharp knives. Blood is all over from their head to toes. They walk around the square in front of the Mosque regardless of other people. The crazy behavior is to commemorate a Muslim leader who died more than 100 years ago.
However, Jewish worship is not from the root of their heart even if they acknowledge the whole part of the Old Testament. Such worship is too rational but less honest. Even Jesus also said Jews are hypocrites.
Although Jesus has pointed out the direction of worship, the current situation of worship in the church today is disappointing. Some Christians are enthusiastic and honest without a thorough understanding of the Bible and doctrines in it; some Christians only pay attention to doctrines and have lost his enthusiasm.
Stephen Charnock has said following words about worship in his book< The Existence and Attributes of God>: True worship is from the root of heart. The procedures, garments, atmosphere and locations are not so important. Worship without an honest heart is just like a drama play. The hypocrites are just actors who read their lines. Worship without piety and respect is not recognized by God."
Doctrines and enthusiasm are both essential. Lacking either of them will lead to extreme worship. On the one hand, when we understand more about truth, God shall be satisfied and the method of worship will be appropriate.
Paul said: "I have rich truth and knowledge in my heart. I can thank and praise God with psalms, eulogy, spiritual songs, mutual teaching and admonishing. "
On the other hand, we must pay much attention to God himself. Casual worship can be seen easily in today's church. Some believers are absent-minded when singing a song. Some like classical and traditional worship ceremony. Some like poems of modern style. We shall remember style is not the core of worship but God is. The main character of a worship ceremony shall always be God.
In this era, God still looks for those believers who worship him with heart and honesty. I hope someday we can all say to God like David: "God, my firm heart makes me want to sing a song of praise to you." (Poem 57:7)
