Conforming to Peoples Stuff

Ever go to a party or gathering and feel completely out-of-place!  The conversation isn’t really you, the topics are a bit ‘questionable.’  You smile and attempt to enter in.  However, there is a dry-uneasiness in your spirit.  You are basically there because you feel you need to be, whether for work, socializing or just wanting to be accepted.  Often this feeling of uncomfortable-ness is of design. God’s design.

The children of Israel wandered for many-many  years, with little interaction with other peoples. Now they were about to cross the Jordan and pitch their tents and dwell. There lived the ‘Ities’, the Amorites, Hittites, Hivites, Jebusites, Cannanites, Perizzites, and I’m sure a few under the rocks  ‘parasites’ as well. They all await on the other side. The Cannanites worship habits were rather ICKY and frankly DETESTABLE in the Lord’s sight. I emphasize detestable as I skirt around the most gruesome details. God gave strong and clear instruction to NOT conform or contaminate themselves with these peoples stuff. “You must not worship the LORD your God in their way.” – Deut. 12:4, 31   Moses continues with, “But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose… to put His Name… to that place you must go.”  (v5)

In today’s society we may not trek across barren deserts, swat at the dust from those trudging in front of us.  But, we do often find it convenient to slip into places and situations because … well … it’s there.  Its easy. With the “Why not!” attitude.

How lazy we, I  have become. Lazy in assuming such behaviour would be acceptable to our God.  Dont get me wrong, there ARE times and places God calls us to, to minister, share His good news, His light, His love. But once there, we must be very careful  to “Not worship the LORD your God in their way.” The primary meaning of worship is to bow down.  What is it, who is it that causes us to bow? To bow of heart, intellect and soul.  Worship is a life style, whether we are sitting in pews, chatting with a friend, or watching a movie.  May we do so GOD’s way, not like that of the world, perhaps flippantly, careless, and self-centered.  We must worship, with Him in mind, Him as our motive and for Him we bring glory. “To that place you must go.”

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)