In Leviticus chapter ten, we find the tragic story of Nadab and Abihu and the strange (unauthorized) fire. Even in the twenty first century, for all believers, there must be a distinction between the holy and the common. Even though the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus enabled our adoption as children of God and the intimacy of that relationship, we must never forget that our Father God is Holy and must be respected as such, especially in our worship. Nadab and Abihu sinned in doing something other than what God had instructed. Their intentions might have been good, but they were disobedient (See Exodus 39:7-9). Do we treat our worship as a common thing? Absolutely! When we participate in worship for what we can get out of it rather than what we put into it, our focus shifts from God to ourselves. When we fail to prepare to worship through the disciplines of prayer and meditation, it can negatively affect our attitudes in worship. When we become more concerned with building our church than building His kingdom, we deviate from His prescribed mission. (See Matthew 28:18-20)
How can you be sure you are authentic in your worship? The Lord Jesus said, “…God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” Whether you are preparing for your private devotions or a corporate meeting to worship with others, these steps are fundamental. Pray, confess, repent, and consecrate yourself in preparation for meeting a holy God. Go into worship prayerfully asking what you can give, how you can serve, and what you will hear that applies to your life. God already knows your need and He will supply all that and more when we really worship Him in spirit and truth.
