"Hypocritical Worship"

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." Matthew 6:5 

Last night I was reading a quote by Keith Green and in it he addressed the subject of worship. He wondered if the passion, singing and loud exclamation of praise that he saw displayed from people in church worship was presence in their private life. He wondered if they still have this same intense passionate joy when they were alone and no one was around to watch or hear, but the One that counts.

 

In our relationship with the Lord are we like the hypocrites? Are we very vocal with our prayers and praise in church where others can see us, but in our private life we hardly give the Lord any praise? When we are alone, are we the same as what others see in public? Hopefully, when we are alone, we are more so! Hopefully, when we are in "secret" and no one else is around by the Lord, our praise and worship is so passionate that He silences all of heaven so He can enjoy what we are offering up to Him.

 

Our worship and praise are like an aroma in His nostrils. It is either a good aroma or a stench. When we offer up our praise in public only, it is a stench because it is hypocritical. When we do it to be seen of men and get their attention, it is a stench. Our praise is a sweet-smelling aroma and acceptable sacrifice when it is done in private as well as public, and when it is done with the motive to be seen purely by the Lord Himself. So what aroma is your worship sending up? What does God smell when you worship Him?

 

Have a great day. Is your worship for the Lord only displayed in public for others to see? Or are you just as passionate in your private worship when no one else is around but the One to whom it is directed?

 

For further reading:

Matthew 6:1-8; 23:1-7