My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.” Hosea 4:6
The first of the minor prophets, Hosea is a story worth reading. It tells of Hosea’s response to his adulterous wife in parallel to God’s enduring and unchanging love toward His people that have turned to other gods.
In times of prosperity the nation of Israel fell to careless worship practices and began adopting and adapting pagan gods into their daily lives. What was one more little god going to hurt? The answer is everything. A distraction between you and your Creator changes the perspective of His miraculous work, thus limiting your ability to remain Holy. God is very clear. He is jealous. He will not share. (Exodus 20:4-5)
While God does not ask us to practice meaningless ritual, it is of utmost importance that our focus be intentionally and correctly directed toward acknowledgement and praise for the One True God.
When worship practices are lacking in content we miss the time and opportunity to teach the next generation. Worship is important today for the sake of tomorrow.
Love,
Gretchen