Many biblical passages warn us to be careful in the paths we choose to walk. There are many Satanic-placed traps. Yet, Solomon in Ecclesiastes 5:1 warned each to guard his steps “when you go to the house of God.” When we come to worship, we’d better give careful consideration and make sure we know what we are doing. When dealing with worship, we need to do the following:
First, we come to listen. Worship is our opportunity to listen to the voice of God. Thus, we need to “keep silent before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20). James reminds us that we need to be “quick to hear and slow to speak” in regard to God’s word (James 1:19). It is a fact that the one talking is not the one learning.
Second, we must be aware lest we offer the sacrifice of fools. What are these kind of sacrifices? (1) When we make promises we do not keep. Solomon warned about making hasty vows that were not well thought out. We ask God to do things all the time in the songs we sing and the prayers we pray. Have we really thought about the words of those songs and prayers? (2) When we say things we do not mean or are not true. When God challenges our words we don’t want to say “they were a mistake” (v. 6). So, when we sing, “Have Thine own way, Lord,” are we truly living like we belong to Him? (3) When we do not offer to God what He has asked. Jesus warned, “In vain do they worship me, teaching as their doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8-9). He is a fool who believes he can offer to God anything. God isn’t happy with just anything. He only accepts worship that meets His divine standards (John 4:24).
How many of us “guard our steps” when we come to worship? Do we get to bed early so we’ll be well rested? Do we prepare our minds through the morning as we’re getting ready? Do we clear our minds of the various distractions that frequently hinder our worship?
Let us be careful. We do not want to offer to our God the sacrifice of fools.
