Proverbs 21:3

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

The offering of sacrifices lay right at the heart of Old Testament worship. Strange as it may seem to us, it was what God wanted from His people. This led many to conclude that all they needed to do was offer sacrifices, and they could then act in whatever way they wanted. Time and again, God had to remind His people that the mere offering of sacrifices and worship was not enough. He was looking for them to act justly and fairly in their business relationships and with their neighbours, and if He didn’t see it, He wasn’t interested in receiving their sacrifices.

In any age it is possible for our worship to be merely an act. Almost anyone can sing hymns and songs and even raise their hands in worship. What God is looking for is people who live out their faith in the cut and thrust of everyday life. In James’ letter, he is supremely concerned about people living out their Christian faith in a practical and down-to-earth way. He wrote: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27).

I believe that God wants us to enjoy worshipping Him and having fellowship with other Christians, but if our faith never leads to action then we have totally missed the point.

Question

In what way is God calling you to fight for what is just and right?

Prayer

Loving God, thank you for the privilege of worshipping. Please help me to ensure that my worship always leads to actions that will please You. Amen