“Worship cannot be half-stepped or phoned in. It must be done in faith. Yet that level of commitment reveals one reason many of us don’t worship by faith — we believe in God without believing God. We mentally believe He exists, but we don’t take Him seriously.”- Dr. Tony Evans
Dr. Tony Evans concludes Chapter 2 of Kingdom Heroes with the observation that we often give God our leftovers. Our leftover time, thoughts, energy, investments, praise, and attention. As a result, we somehow believe that any bone we toss Him should suffice.
Consequently, Dr. Evans notes, Cain suffered from the facade of religion. As do many people today. But even though people live with this facade of religion, they also want to live as kingdom heroes. Thus, the want to walk into miracles, change the world for good, and see heaven’s favor rain down on them.
Above all, heroes never put on a facade. Instead, heroes invest the necessary time, effort, and attention to reflect God’s will and His ways. Hence, the author stresses, people who truly believe God’s telling the truth in all He’s stated in His Word act like He’s telling the truth. Even when they dislike the truth He’s telling.
In conclusion, Dr. Evans underscores one important principle to realize from Cain’s situation. That Cain’s lack of authentic worship influenced his emotions. Therefore, because his worship wasn’t right, his emotional well-being veered to the left. And, Dr. Evans adds:
“Cheap worship produces cheap results. If you give God junk, don’t be surprised if your emotions reflect junk as well. A great God deserves great honor and worship through your prioritization of His will and His ways in your everyday decisions. Authentic, all-consuming worship ushers in God’s favor.”
So, a kingdom hero living by faith trusts God. And that faith involves thinking based on what God says. Not on what we hear.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you avoid a phoned in approach to worship? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Enoch walking with God- not vice versa”
