His Terms, Not Ours

Why We Don't Get to Define Acceptable Worship

Many people would agree that not all worship is acceptable to God and that we don’t get to define it. Yet, their actions often tell a different story. Today, many churches incorporate worldly elements like rock bands, performances, coffee shops, and entertainment into their worship services. These practices are often justified with statements like, “We are doing it for the Lord” or “The Bible doesn’t say I can’t do it.” However, worship is not about what makes us comfortable—it is about honoring God in the way He has commanded.

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Biblical Warnings Against Adding to or Subtracting from God’s Word

Scripture repeatedly warns against adding to or subtracting from God’s instructions (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19). This principle applies to all aspects of faith, including worship. When we add practices not authorized by God or take away from what He has commanded, we risk offering worship that He will not accept.

Examples of Unauthorized Worship in Scripture

The Bible provides several examples of individuals who attempted to worship God on their own terms:

1. Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2)
   Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, offered “profane fire” before the Lord, which He had not commanded. As a result, fire came out from the Lord and consumed them. Their story is a sobering reminder that God does not accept all worship, especially when it is not according to His instructions.

2. Cain’s Offering (Genesis 4:3-5)
   Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground, while Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock. God respected Abel’s offering but not Cain’s. Cain’s error was not in offering something, but in offering what he wanted rather than what God desired. This shows that the right offering with the wrong heart or method is not pleasing to God.

3. Naaman’s Healing (2 Kings 5:10-14)
   When Naaman was told by Elisha to dip in the Jordan River seven times to be healed of his leprosy, he initially resisted. He thought the rivers of Damascus were better than the Jordan. However, when he finally obeyed exactly as instructed, he was healed. This demonstrates that blessings and acceptance come when we submit to God’s exact instructions, not when we choose our own way.

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Jesus’ Warning in Matthew 7

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus says:

"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’" (NKJV)

These verses show that doing things “in the name of the Lord” does not automatically make them acceptable. Worship and service to God must be done according to His will, not ours.

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Worship Is About God, Not Us

True worship is not about entertainment, comfort, or giving people what they want. It is about humbling ourselves before God and honoring Him in the way He has prescribed. When we try to make worship appealing to the world by adding unauthorized practices, we shift the focus away from God and onto ourselves.

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Staying in God’s Word

The best way to ensure our worship is pleasing to God is to stay grounded in His word. When we know what He desires, we are less likely to bring worldly elements into the church or deviate from the truth. Scripture equips us to discern what is authorized and what is not, helping us remain faithful in our worship.

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It’s About Him, Not Us

Our goal should always be to worship God on His terms. The Bible provides clear guidance on what God desires in worship, and adding to or subtracting from His instructions is a dangerous path. Let us strive to keep our worship pure, holy, and pleasing to God by staying close to His word and avoiding the temptation to incorporate worldly practices. Worship is not about us—it is, and always will be, about giving glory to God.

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