WHO?

“Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?”
Psalm 15:1
(New Living Translation)

You were created to worship God. There are various aspects of worship that must be taken into consideration. First, who or what you will worship? Secondly, is your worship acceptable to the true and living God? David posed this question in Psalm 15 and the characteristics of a true worshipper are outlined in the verses that follow.

Notice, David addressed his questions to God himself and did not seek the opinions of any other. It was vitally important that David knew God’s standards for acceptable worship since it was, in fact, for Him. It is interesting that in a Barna research study, only three out of ten church-going adults (29%) indicated that they view worship as something that is focused primarily on God. Can you effectively offer something acceptable to God without truly having the correct perspective and focus?

So, exactly who is counted a true member of God's church? Who is allowed to enter into that place where God manifests himself and meets his people? What kind of person will never be shaken and always close to God (v.5)? The description and standards of the true worshipper is given in the Word of God.

The first characteristic of true worshipers is that they will lead a blameless life and do what is right, or are people of integrity. The will also speak the truth from a sincere heart. Next, they will refuse to gossip, which is idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others. They will not speak evil of their friends or harm their neighbors. They will despise flagrant, persistent sinners and honor the faithful followers of the Lord. Next, they will keep their promises even when it hurts. They will lend money without charging interest and finally they cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.

The companion scripture to further describe the true worshiper is found in Psalm 24:3-4. This psalm goes on to say that the true worshiper of God will do right for the right reasons, will not worship idols or tell lies under oath.

God is quite clear about who can offer acceptable worship to Him. Although worship is entirely for God it has residual and reciprocal properties. Psalm 24:5 says, “They will receive the LORD's blessing and have right standing with God their savior.”

Take time to review the characteristics of a true worshiper and see how you measure up in view of God’s righteous standards. Are you a worshiper in name only or do you fit the description of a true worshiper? God is still looking for true worshipers who will worship Him in spirit and in truth.