South Highway Five Church of Christ

Vain Worship?!

Christ said, "But in vain do they worship me" (Matthew 15:9). What was wrong? How is it that people could offer worship to Christ but it not be accepted?!

Christ explained why when he further said, "teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." People may worship. They may offer worship to Christ. But if such worship is according to the teachings, doctrines, and commandments of men, instead of Christ, it is vain! It is not accepted.

Culture and the things of this world often influence religion. Our entertainment-crazed society has had a large influence upon the way many people worship. What sounds good or feels good to a man does not mean it is acceptable to God. "... it is not in man to direct his footsteps" (Jeremiah 10:23). "There is a way which seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:15). Just because I like something doesn't mean God likes it!

The apostle Paul warned of "will worship" (Colossians 2:23). In other words, self-imposed worship or self-pleasing worship.

Christ said God seeks "true worshipers." Christ said, "Ye worship ye know not what...but the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeks such to worship him" (John 4:22-23). Christ also said, in prayer to the Father, "Thy word is truth" (John 17:17). Thus, our worship must not only be sincere, heart-felt, with the purest of motives, but also in according with God's direction and instruction. To walk and worship by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) is to follow the word of Christ, for "faith comes by hearing the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17).