REAL WORSHIP IS...(Part Three)

 

REAL WORSHIP IS SEPARATED

 In Genesis 22 Abraham traveled to take his son Isaac to worship God at a designated place.  The Lord had asked him to sacrifice his son.  For three days Abraham traveled with his son and some servants.  Upon nearing the site of worship he said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you." (Genesis 22:5 ESV)  

Abraham had already demonstrated his submissive and steadfast character to the Lord and now as he arrives near the mountain the Lord designated he separate himself from every worldly care as best he can.  Abraham came ready to worship knowing that sacrifice was involved.  

Real worship strives to shut out the world or separate oneself from worldly concerns or distractions.  When our worship is controlled by the world it has become polluted or contaminated.  You've heard the popular phrase, "Be in the world but not of the world."  Look what God says in James 4:4; "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?"(ESV) God first, and then other things should be our priority.  The Lord's church is to be a community of believers who strive to worship God together; not show off the latest fashion, gossip or simply hang out with friends.  Real worship can only be achieved if one truly comes prepared to worship and follows through by focusing on the real reason for being in the place of worship.  

Do you actually make preparations to worship?

How well do you separate the world from your worship? 

What is your true focus when it comes to worship?