The Sincerest Worship

The Sincerest Worship

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 5:48

IN WORD The Little Leaguer steps up to the plate, swings the bat a couple of times, knocks the dirt off his shoes, and spits in the direction of third base. Where did he get that routine? Did he come up with it on his own? No, he had simply watched a little baseball on TV and had come to admire some of the big-league players. He is acting like the person he wants to be.

You’ve heard the saying, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” And it’s true. We rarely, except in jest, imitate someone we don’t like. No, the way we pattern our behavior says a lot about whom we admire and respect. If we look across our culture, we can see millions of those Little League athletes—as well as men and women who dress, behave, and think like the most popular figures in Hollywood. We have become a culture of movie posters and CD covers. Why? Because not only does art reflect culture, culture is shaped by art. We are imitators at our core.

Imitation is not just the sincerest form of flattery; it’s also the sincerest form of worship. We shape ourselves to be like either our idols or the God we adore. It isn’t that our words of praise are meaningless on any given Sunday morning or whenever we meet for worship. But God knows what most of us have already experienced: Words of praise can be faked. So can emotions. Even when our minds and mouths are honoring God, our hearts can often be disengaged. But imitation of the character and ways of God reflects a deeper praise.

IN DEED Examine your thoughts and behavior. After whom are they patterned? Maybe you’ve never considered that they’re patterned after anyone, but your culture has given you many cues about what is acceptable and admirable. And if you’re like most people, you’ve sought acceptance and admiration.

But now your heart wants to engage with God. Praise Him with your words and emotions, but look deeper. Don’t just praise your Father for His love, purity, and grace. Be like Him. It’s the sincerest worship you can give.

All love . . . casts the mind into the mold of the thing beloved.

—JOHN OWEN