Devotional: True Worship Amos 5:21-27; Micah 6:6-8

“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic. 6:8, NASB).

Almost all people that express belief in God also think that it is important to worship God. This is especially true of those that identify themselves as Christians and church goers. However, Christians do not always agree about what true worship is. I notice that the differences are likely to be centered on style. What is the proper music style? What is the appropriate style that the preacher should use in delivering the sermon? Should there be dancing in the church? Should the people be enthusiastic, clapping their hands, standing to their feet, and saying words of affirmation to the singing and preaching? Should the people sit attentively as different worship leaders carry out their assigned roles? Jesus says to the Samaritan woman at the well: “‘God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth’” (Jn. 4:24, NASB). What is true worship? Does God require anything of those that worship Him?

When we understand the words of both prophets, Amos and Micah, it is apparent that God is not concerned about worship style. Both of these prophets tell us that the people come to church and do all the right things in accepted style. Yet, God rejects their worship. In Amos God says through the prophet, “‘Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps.” “But let justice roll down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream’” (Amos 5:23-24, NASB). God rejects worship when the people lack justice and righteousness.

In like manner Micah expresses God’s displeasure when people come to the worship services and do all the right things in the right way. Again, God does not accept their worship. Micah echoes Amos when he tells us what the Lord requires. “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And walk humbly with your God” (Mic. 6:8, NASB).

Let us not get hung up on style. We are not performers when we come together to worship the Lord. Before we come to the worship services God requires us to do justice and live our lives according to His commandments. Otherwise, what we do is just noise to God. It is noise that the Lord does not want to hear. God wants true worship.

Prayer: Lord God, we submit our ways to your requirements to do justice and to walk humbly with you. Then, accept our true worship. Amen.