Go! And Honour His Name and Word Above All Else

Go! And Honour His Name and Word Above All Else

Psalm 138:2 (NLT): "I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honour of your name."

Luke 18:9 (NLT): "Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else."

How do you worship God in church?

Psalm 138:2 paints a beautiful picture of worship rooted in humility, reverence, and trust. David bows before God, praising His name for His love and truth. Every promise of God, David declares, is "backed by all the honour of your name." Worship, for David, wasn't performance - it was surrender.

But Jesus also told a parable that challenges us to examine our motives in worship. In Luke 18:9-14, two men went to the Temple to pray: a Pharisee and a Tax Collector. Outwardly, both were doing something religious. But their hearts revealed two entirely different purposes.

The Pharisee wasn't really there to meet with God - he was there to be seen. His flowing robe, ornate prayer shawl, and self-praising prayer were not acts of devotion or worship. They were part of a performance for others. He had rehearsed the script - what he would wear, where he would stand, and what he would say. His prayer was filled with comparisons and self-righteousness: "I thank you, God, that I am not like other people..."

But the Tax Collector? He stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift his eyes to heaven. His worship was real. His heart was broken. He simply prayed, "O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner." Jesus said it was this man - not the religious showman - who went home justified before God.

God is not impressed by outward religion. He is moved by humble, sincere hearts.

As we reflect on Psalm 138:2, we remember that worship is not about appearances or eloquence. It's about bowing before His holy presence, exalting His unfailing love and faithfulness, and trusting in the integrity of His Word.

Charles Stanley said: "True worship is not about what we get. It's about what we give - our hearts fully surrendered to God."

David gave God praise because he trusted Him. The Tax Collector gave God his brokenness, because he needed Him. Both honoured God's name and Word. The Pharisee, by contrast, exalted himself.

So again, how do you worship God in church? To be seen and heard - or to seek Him?

Let us be people who go - not to perform - but to bow. Let us worship not for applause, but for intimacy. Let us trust God's promises, exalt His name, and honour His Word - above all else.

Reflection Questions:
Are you honouring God's Word in your daily life?
Is your heart bowed before Him in true worship?
Have you fully trusted in Jesus as your Saviour and Lord?

If not, today is the day to bow, believe, and begin again.