Worship Begins In Your Heart

Ecclesiastes 5:1

"Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, 

and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice 

of fools: for they consider not that they do evil."

     Fruitful and acceptable worship begins before it begins. So our passage commences with the demeanor of the worshiper on his way to the house of God. He is to keep his foot; that is, to go deliberately, thoughtfully, with realization of what he is about to do. He is to "draw near to hear" and to know himself, while drawing near, of what his purpose should be. Our forefathers Sunday began on Saturday night, and partly for that reason the hallowing influence of it ran over into Monday, at all events. What likelihood is there that much good will come of worship to people who talk politics or scandal right up to the church door?
    Then comes the direction for conduct in the act of worship. The same thoughtfulness which kept the foot in coming to, should keep the heart when in, the house of God. His exaltation and our lowliness should check hasty words, blurting out uppermost wishes, or in any way outrunning or (overlooking) the emotions of prepared hearts.
    Many a young heart touched by the truth has resolved to live a Christian life, and has gone out from the house of God and put off and put off till days have thickened into months and years, and the intention has remained unfulfilled for ever. Nothing hardens hearts, stiffens wills, and sears consciences so much as to be brought to the point of melting, and then to cool down into the old shape. All good resolutions and spiritual convictions come by a "Vow Made To God." One must remember it is true that it is better not to have made a Vow to God, than to make a Vow and break it.  
Amen!

Reading: Eccl. 5:1-12
Ref: HG SB

May God Bless You

And Your Family

Minister Robert Lail Sr.

The Cross Life Ministry