Years ago when I served as a missionary in a
foreign country, I needed a gift to present to local dignitaries. The basic
purpose of the gift was to show honor and respect for the person and his office.
Generally speaking, men and women who do mission work in third-world countries
are not respected. Few people feel they need missionaries to teach them how to
live! Frequently missionaries are seen as those who destroy a culture and rob a
people of their identity. I was eager to prove our group was an asset to the
area.
A knowledgeable friend suggested “proof sets” of American coins as a suitable
gift. A “proof set” of coins is a valuable collection of specially minted coins.
With confidence I presented my first “proof set” of American coins to an
important person in the area. With delight, he immediately asked, “What are
these coins worth?” I misunderstood his question. The correct answer was, “Only
your banker knows the worth of the set.” However, I thought he asked about the
common value of the individual coins. As I explained the common value of
individual coins, he obviously was offended. Delight instantly turned to
contempt. A gift intended to honor quickly become an insult.
Humans and God radically differ. Humans frequently misunderstand intent. God
always knows motives. God knows the difference between worship coming from the
heart as an expression of appreciation, and worship “going through the motions”
to satisfy a perceived demand. God knows when a person worships Him and worships
for self! God easily is honored by expressions of faith rising from a heart of
gratitude. God quickly is insulted by a heart devoid of faith and gratitude.
What God wants from His children is simple: profound respect arising from deep
appreciation. Because he expressed His love for us in Jesus’ death, we rejoice
in His blessings and proudly honor Him.
Tom Chapin will guide us as we consider the HEART OF WORSHIP this Sunday. Please
be a part of our combined class at 9:30 a.m. and our worship assembly at 10:30
a.m. Tom also will share with us at 6 p.m. Sunday and at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Grow in your understanding of how to honor God in your worship! Never insult
God! Always honor God! May He and we be delighted when we praise Him!
Link to other Writings of David Chadwell