A true worshipper worships
the Father in spirit and truth (John 4:23,24). He is an overcomer (Revelation
21:7,8), a conqueror (Romans 8:37), who presses in and presses on (Philippians
3:7-14; Hebrews 6:1) with the fruitful character (Galatians 5:22-24), peace
(John 14:27), power (Isaiah 40;29), and strength (II Corinthians 12:10) supplied
by Holy Spirit (Romans 8). He prays (Matthew 6:6-15), pursues (Matthew 6:33),
and perseveres (Romans 5:1-5; James 1:12). He soaks (Psalms 46:10) surrenders
(Galatians 2:20), and stands firm (I Corinthians 16:13). He is on the
forefront……the front lines…..trumpeting victory in the battle (Joshua 6:20)
against the world, the flesh, and the devil (I John 2:15-17).
A true worshipper repents
quickly to receive the refreshing presence of the Lord in ever-increasing
measure (Acts 3:19-21). He is an intentional forgiver (Colossians 3:13),
allowing no root of bitterness to grow up within him, which could defile many (Hebrews
12:15). He earnestly desires to encourage (I Thessalonians 5:11,14; I Timothy
5:1) and edify (Romans 14:19 NKJV) fellow believers while seeking to hear
clearly (Matthew 13:23; Luke 6:47-49) and be led continually (Romans 8:14) by
the Holy Spirit in order to never resist (Acts 7:51), grieve (Ephesians 4:30),
or quench (I Thessalonians 5:19) the Spirit’s empowering work within his heart.
A true worshipper seeks
humility (Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 2:3-8; I Peter 5:5,6) before popularity,
position, or the praise of men (Philippians 2:3,7,8; Romans 2:29). He chooses
to go low (Romans 12:16) and raise others high (Philippians 2:3). He loves the
Lord God with his whole heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30) and his
neighbor as himself (Mark 12:31). He makes these powerful decisions allowing
the Holy Spirit to supply the actual power (Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 4:20; II
Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 3:16-20) to follow through with the authentic
actions, words, attitudes (Romans 15:13, 19; I Corinthians 2:4,5; Colossians
1:9-12), and strength of heart (Colossians 3:16; II Thessalonians 2:16,17; 3:3)
that make his powerful decisions a reality.
A true worshipper is an
example, following the example of Jesus fully (Philippians 2:5-8), by being
sensitive to the weaker in faith (Romans 14:13; 15:1,2) and abstaining from
every form of evil (I Thessalonians 5:21-23).
In essence, a true worshipper
is a lover (I John 3:16,18). He treasures God’s love for him (Matthew 6:21). He
loves God and others because God first loved him (I John 4:11,19, 21). He seeks
to love the unlovable (Luke 6:27-36; Ephesians 2:4-7; Jesus washed Judas’ feet,
ate with His known betrayer, and served him communion - John
13). He sacrifices (Romans 12:1; Ephesians 5:1,2; Philippians 2:17,18; Hebrews 13:15,16) to love, rather than
slouching into a place of selfish comfort (Luke 12:15-21). This is as intensely
worshipping God as singing, dancing, or playing worship to honor the King. This
is the obedient heart at its best (John 13:34,35; John 14:21,23) because it is
motivated by love inspired by a loving Father (I John 3:1), rather than mere
religious robotic acts (John 4:23,24 ….spirit and truth) based on a
person’s meager efforts (Acts 17:35; I Peter 4:11), lacking an abandoned heart
(Luke 7:37,38). Jesus is the person we worship. Jesus is the source of our
worship.
Whether, then, you eat or
drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31
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