The Test of Worship
by Erica Cosgrove
Daniel 3:17-18
If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.
The question of who or what gets our worship can be answered by what gets our adoration, attention, time, and reverence.
It is often easy to point to things we do that we define as worship of God. But are we also careful to refuse worship to false gods? In some places, false gods could be very obvious, in the form of idols of other religions. In other places, it may not be so obvious. It could come in the form of sports, relationships, fame, political leadership, or a wide variety of other things.
The question we must ask ourselves is: are things other than God that are getting our adoration and reverence?
In the Bible, worship was often challenged.
In Daniel 3, God’s people are being asked to worship an idol. In Daniel 3:17-18, we see three Hebrew boys refuse to worship the false god because they know God alone is worthy of their worship.
We, too, can honor God by refusing to worship whatever false gods in our life seek to take our adoration and reverence.
When faced with the pressures of society, family, or friends who may be giving worship to false gods, it is important for us to be able to recognize them and to be firm in our worship to God alone.
Reflection
What other things compete for worship in my life?
Prayer
Dear God, Help me to have the wisdom and courage to identify false gods and to refuse to worship them, giving You alone the worship You deserve. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
