Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Isaiah 1:13-15 (KJV)

In Isaiah’s day, the nation of Israel had departed from following the Lord in righteousness and holiness in their lives. They adhered to all of the religious requirements of the Law. However, the Lord was not pleased with their worship.  It was unacceptable.

Today, millions of Christians are involved in ministries, churches, missions, and community endeavors all under the banner of Christ, but their personal lives are not reflective of Christ.  Though Christ loves us and is full of compassion, He requires His followers to have lives characterized by goodness. On this day, look at your relationship with God. Do you hide behind your gifts, alms, and good works? Or, do you personally reflect an attitude, disposition, and lifestyle that demonstrate that you know Christ in a personal way? In examining these things, you can know whether you worship is acceptable.

How am I to praise God at all times? Am I to walk around singing and dancing all day? Am I to carry an instrument at all times to praise Him? Do I always have to be talking about something He’s done to show His praises? How is the Christian to live in continual praises?

I. Praise God in our Conversations (Psalm 34:1) – God’s praise can continually be in our mouths by the conversations that we have. Though every word does not have to be a declaration of praise, but our words should not distract others from God’s goodness and works. The Christians’ words are to be seasoned with God’s grace and wisdom, which is the same as offering praise unto the Lord (Ephesians 4:29)

II. Praise God in our Appearance (I Timothy 2:9-10) – Paul gave Timothy instructions for how the women were to dress. Their outer appearance was to match their testimony in Jesus Christ. Though Paul specifically addressed the women, we know that Christian men are to be modest in their outer appearance. This helps to adorn the gospel of Christ. When we possess a fitting outer image and good works, the gospel message is enhanced. We stated earlier that there are non-verbal ways to praise the Lord. Our outer appearance is also a non-verbal way that we offer praise unto God for His salvation and goodness towards us.

III. Praise God in Fellowship (Psalm 34:3) – David made an appeal that praise be done corporately. We demonstrate praise and honor to God when we have fruitful fellowship with other Christians (in and outside of the religious setting). Today, some claim to know God and have no fellowship with others. However, if our praise is to be perfected and acceptable, we have to have fellowship and communion with others. Our interaction is not limited to other Christians. We are to have fruitful interactions with unbelievers, which gives praise unto God. Remember Peter’s words.

It is through our godly conversation and appearance that we show forth the work of salvation in our lives to unbelievers. This is how we show forth His praises. It is through our personal witness of the work of Christ in our lives (I Peter 2:9). We are to say the right things, present ourselves the right way, and have fellowship with others in response to God’s works in our lives. Our lives should be lived in praise to Him for all He has done.

Well, there you have it. Until next time, remain faithful to Him who has called you, who will bring all things to pass. I have addressed this topic in detail in my book, “The Call to Worship” – Understanding the True Essence of Worship, which can be found at Amazon.com.