Worship

 Regular worship is important for believers. It has been on my mind quite a bit the last few weeks because of a sermon I heard a couple weeks ago. 

The sermon was based on Psalms 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

The pastor brought up an article that talked about a survey that said (going from memory so might not be completely accurate on the percentage) that 56% of people questioned believed God would accept worship from anyone righteous or not. 

He was on the side of thinking God would not accept it.  He gave examples of people that are speaking terribly one minute then praying the next. 

When I heard the beginning of the sermon the first thing that popped into my mind was Romans 3:10 As it is written there is none righteous, no, not one. 

There is the verse about our righteousness being as filthy rags to God. We, in our own power fall so far short of what is righteous.  The righteousness we have is a reflection of the work God has on us, but we really aren't righteous. We mess up.  We get mad when we should be patient. We judge people sometimes without even realizing it.  None of us are perfect.

I believe God wants everyone to worship. In Luke chapter 19 the Pharasees told Jesus to rebuke his disciples from their praises. His answer to them was, "I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out. 

Yes He was talking about his disciples but the fact that if they weren't praising Him the rocks would cry out to praise Him.  Rocks are neither righteous or unrighteous. 

Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

There will be a time when everyone, those that have passed on, those that weren't saved, will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.  

While I believe God accepts all praise, I know that does not save the sinner. If someone is unsaved yet acknowledges God with Praise I believe that is accepted but although it is accepted that person is still separated until they confess their sins and repent and turn to the Lord. 

I don't think people should be discouraged from praising God no matter what their spiritual status is. If they are praising God they know He is there and there is hope that they will turn to Him. 

I don't think the pastor said anything wrong. I can see his point of view. I just wouldn't want anyone to think that they aren't righteous enough to praise Him. Jesus deserves all the praise.