True Worship

A psalm of David. Who may worship in Your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter Your presence on Your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. (Psalms 15:1-2 NLT)

I've heard so many discussions over the years about the style of worship people enjoy.  Usually, they are talking about the type of music that is being sung and/or played with instruments of their choosing.  People go to war over such things.  Churches split over them.  The "style of worship" becomes a test of fellowship and people end up getting anxious, frustrated, or hurt.

The thing that always strikes me about the discussion is topic of the discussion itself.  It's the wrong discussion.  Worship has nothing to do with style of music, types of instruments, or even whether instruments should be used or not.  True worship has to do with walking together with God.  We can enter into the presence of God when we lead blameless lives, do what is right, and speak truth from sincere hearts.

Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.  (Psalms 15:3-5a NLT)

When we avoid evil and hold on to the good - we can enter His presence in worship.  Anything I do wrong - any sin I commit - gets in the way of my worship.  I cannot enter the presence of a Holy God when I am not Holy myself.  So, I strive to be Holy as He is Holy.  I want to be able to enter into His presence and enjoy true worship.  Oh, yeah.  There's another benefit to living the holy life.

Such people will stand firm forever. (Psalms 15:5b NLT)