Heartfelt Worship

The passage today finds Paul reprimanding the Corinthians for their behavior towards one another. There is dissension in the churches of Corinth. When they come together for worship, there are divisions. Instead of worshiping in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23) they worship with soiled hearts. Coming together seems to bring out the worst and not the best in them.

Regarding this next item, I’m not at all pleased. I am getting the picture that when you meet together it brings out your worst side instead of your best! First, I get this report on your divisiveness, competing with and criticizing each other. I’m reluctant to believe it, but there it is. The best that can be said for it is that the testing process will bring truth into the open and confirm it. (1 Corinthians 11:17-19 MSG)

Paul's words to his people in Corinth were a reminder of why they come together, of why they share a meal; of who they are to be worshiping. Pure worship happens when our hearts are right with God and each other. True worship focuses on The One who is worthy of our praise, not on anyone else.

Many can relate to rushing into a church service after experiencing a tug-of-war with the children. Getting everyone ready and into the car and off to church is not an easy feat. We are encouraged to do everything we can to center our hearts and minds so we can offer our praise and worship with abandon. 

Conflict happens, but I can't let it interfere with the time I give to God. I worship, not to get but to give. The time spent singing and praying and listening is time given to the One who deserves everything I have to give. When I am able to worship in Spirit and in Truth, I walk away filled with amazing grace. Enough to get me through the week.

1 Corinthians 11:17-22