“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?” Proverbs 21:27

Who could possibly criticize an act of worship? Shouldn’t there be commendation for Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance? Is it surprising to hear that God is the greatest critic of worship? Recently, I have been reading the writings of the prophet Jeremiah. In it, God often criticizes the worship of Israel. What sort of unreasonable being would do that? Is He never satisfied? The truth is that God is picky about worship, and His thinking is quite reasonable. God never demands a performance. He is not interested in platitudes. He doesn’t have to be impressed or entertained. His one requirement is that worship be real, that it come from the heart. The worship that God is interested in is neither deeply intellectual or showy. It just must be real. It must proceed from a heart that desires Him above all else. Therefore, it is mixed with sorrow over sin, repentance toward His ways, and faith in His power and provision of Jesus Christ to cover the stain of sin. Anything else, He considers an affront. There is a great relief that comes with this realization. Your best works cannot humor God, and your worst rebellion cannot be hidden by a song or prayer. Come to God as you are, a sinner in need of grace, finding your rest in Jesus Christ.