Family Devo: PRINCIPLES, PRESENTATION, & ATTITUDES FOR WORSHIPPING GOD

 PRINCIPLES, PRESENTATION, & ATTITUDES FOR WORSHIPPING GOD (FAMILY DEVO)

Read the text and briefly discuss it together. Some discussion-starter questions are provided. Then read the closing text as a guide to your family prayer and finish by praying together and singing a hymn.

Not everyone believes that all religious paths lead to God. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This means that the right way to worship God is through Jesus. Let’s learn six principles that should guide us as we worship in church. (Parents, this is an excellent time to teach your kids what principles are and how we implement them in our lives.)

Principle I: God wants people who worship in spirit and truth. This means you should worship God as the Bible teaches: right actions, right attitudes. 

Principle II: Treat God with Respect. Just like you would show respect to a king, you should show even more respect to God. Don't do things in worship that you wouldn't do around someone very important. 

Principle III: Keep Worship Orderly. The Bible says everything in worship should be done in an orderly way. There are rules from the Bible that we must follow, but different churches might have other traditions that are okay as long as they follow the basic rules from the Bible. 

Principle IV: Old Testament Ways Still Matter. Even though we don't follow the old laws, some ideas about worship from back then are still important, like giving your best to God and being clean. 

Principle V: Be Careful with Human Traditions. Not everything in worship comes from God's commandments; some come from people's traditions. It's good to be wise about these traditions. Here are some tips: (1) Dress Appropriately - Think about how you would dress for a special event, not for the beach or casual outings. (2) Don't Stand Out - If what you're wearing or doing draws too much attention to yourself, it might not be right for worship. (3) Simple Snacks are Okay - It's OK for small kids to have small snacks, but older kids and adults should be able to focus without them. (4) Be Welcoming - Make sure everyone, especially guests, feels comfortable and not judged. (5) Children are Welcome - Even if kids make noise, they're precious. Use nurseries if it helps, but don't worry too much if they make some noise. 

Principle VI: Worship with Joy! The Bible tells us that worship should be joyful, like in Psalm 84:2, where it says, “I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.”

Discuss:

• Why does Jesus say He’s the only way to God?

• How can we show respect to God during worship?

• What traditions in your church might not be from the Bible but are still important to your community? Why do you think these are valuable?

This week, we learned principles that guide us when we come together as a church for worship and Bible study. Let’s say a special prayer and ask God to help us remember God, treat Him with the respect He deserves, and try to help each other when we worship together, and not be selfish distractions. 

—JLP

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