Worship matters to God, and that’s a good thing. In 1 Kings 16, King Ahaz is condemned for his worship. His worship involved him looking at what the nations did rather than what God commanded. This worship was so wicked that it included human sacrifice. Thankfully God does not approve of this.
When Ahaz faces war, he looks to the nations to save him, rather than to the Lord. This involves him changing the temple worship by changing the altar, but still seeking to go through the motions of worship to the Lord. This hypocrisy is detestable to the Lord. To go through the motions of religious worship while totally disregarding God’s Word.
We see Jesus’ reaction to false worship in Matthew 21. He is so angry at the people who have turned the temple into a marketplace that he drives them out of the temple. The temple has become like the fig tree that Jesus curses. There is lots of activity (leaves), but no fruit and so its’ days are numbered.
Jesus’ parable of the two sons (Matt 21:28-32) shows which kind of worship is pleasing to God. It is doing what he says. The religious people are like the son who says he will obey the father, but then doesn’t. This is not pleasing to God. Whereas the tax collectors and prostitutes are like the son who at first said, I will not obey, but then they repent, and do the will of God! In the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:33-46), Jesus warns the religious people who are just going through the motions that the kingdom of God will be taken from them and given to a people producing its fruits.
True worship, worship that is pleasing to God, involves turning to Jesus for forgiveness and then seeking to live his way. False worship involves going through religious ceremonies with no change of heart.
Where do you fall into the trap of false worship?
Lord God, we are sorry for times we just go through the motions, please change our hearts so that we want to do what you say. Help us to bear fruit for you, please help us to listen to your Word and do what you say. Amen
Light and Momentary Troubles 
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