Fraudulent Praise, Part II: Perpetuating Sensationalism

Fraudulent Praise, 

Part II:

Perpetuating Sensationalism
 

First, I encourage you to read Part 1 of this series prior to reading this second installment. It sets the foundation for my discussion in this lesson! Fraudulent Praise... Admittedly, a controversial view and assertion to say the least, but bold and challenging nonetheless!

 

"...These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me... Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God...."

** Matthew 15:8-9 NLT
 

Verse 9 really stands out to me:

 

"...Their worship is a FARCE (i.e., fake, fabricated, mockery and a charade)...."

 

Fake worship!?!? WOW! Why should I allow myself to get caught up in "lip service", much less become "impressed" by it in any setting and call it "having church" or some form of "praise party"?!?

 

I believe it's spiritually irresponsible for ANY Christian to engulf themselves in ANY atmosphere where mere NOISE is the premium! This kind of atmosphere creates a “religious peer-pressure” that influences weak-minded people to automatically agree with whatever the atmosphere is calling for or demanding.

 

During the reign of King Jehoshaphat, he was sitting on his throne with the King of Israel when the many [false] prophets were standing before them, prophesying that Ramoth Gilead would be given into their hands if they attacked them… Zedekiah then made iron horns at this time, and one of their “messengers” came to find Micaiah and said,

 

“…Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably….”

 

I LOVE what Micaiah said in reply,

 

“…But Micaiah said, As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what my God says….”

2^nd Chronicles 18:9-12

This was a CLEAR example of “religious peer-pressure” where Micaiah chose to speak for God, instead of siding with the thoughts and views of others around him. In many of our churches, however, the norm and atmosphere is so strong that many surrender to the pressure in order that they might “fit in” or be accepted.

 

It takes courage to NOT choose to perpetuate “religious fraud” and an atmosphere of FAKE worship! You must know and be comfortable with WHO YOU ARE in Christ! In these settings, we typically find people seeking God to do something for them – even demanding it! My friends, God does NOT serve us, WE SERVE HIM!

 

“…We are HIS Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has before ordained that WE should walk in them….”

Ephesians 2:10
 

Therefore, as Paul said in Romans 12,

 

“…I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world [including the world in church], but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will….”

Romans 12:1-3
 

Now let me clear about Authentic Praise; It’s a crucial part of the Christian experience and vital for spiritual development, that is, when appropriated through Authentic Christ Encounters!

 

The Psalmist, David, said in Psalm 34:1;

 

"...I will bless The Lord at all times; HIS PRAISE shall continually be IN MY MOUTH...."

 

And again in Psalm 100:4;

 

"...Enter into His Gates with thanksgiving and into His Courts with PRAISE, be thankful unto Him and bless His Name...."

 

The Apostle Paul also instructed in, Hebrews 13:15;
 

"...Let us offer the sacrifice of PRAISE to God continually, that is, THE FRUIT OF OUR LIPS giving thanks to his name...."

 

While this is clear, many of us encounter our own "Sensationalism" and call it "Christ" in the midst of a deeply emotional episode! Jesus spoke to a clear disconnect in the place where the Authenticity of Praise flows to God: That Place is The HEART!!!

 

When we sing praise, it should be done as Paul suggested in Ephesians 5,

 

“…Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody IN YOUR HEART to The Lord… Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ….”

Ephesians 5:19-20

 

It’s a HEART THING, not mere lip service! Don’t perpetuate the sensationalism of Fraudulent Praise! Ensure that your seasons of praise are rendered outside of emotionalism, and speak ONLY of what flows from your life as a result of a TRUE Christ Encounter?!?

Keep WINNING!!!

Roc

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