Carl Tuttle

Truth and Worship

In the previous blog I wrote about faith as one of the three characteristics that make up the fundamental substance of worship.
We all know that worship can be defined in many different ways and I’m certain that we know that worship is more than singing. In fact singing is a simple expression of our worship, a way in which we express our love, adoration and devotion to God.
What ingredients are essential for worship to be expressed whether in singing, through service or ministry? In my last article a proposed that I felt there are three primary characteristics that are necessary for worship to take place, faith, truth and intimacy. In my last column I wrote about faith or what I also call expectancy. The Bible says that ‘He who comes to God must believe that He is and He is a rewarder of those who seek him.’ It also says that ‘without faith it is impossible to please God.’ Therefore it is hard to imagine worship taking place where there is no faith. Gosh the Apostle Paul says in Romans that ‘ that which is down apart from faith is sin.’ So I think it is pretty obvious that faith can be seen as central to all that we do in the kingdom of God and especially in worship.

In this article I want to look at another ingredient that is a essential part of worship; truth. Jesus said, ‘those who worship God must worship in spirit and in truth.’ Which begs the question, What is truth? I think the truth that we are talking about in relationship to worship is recognizing the truth about ourselves and the truth about God. If I only consider the truth about myself without considering the truth about God I’m in big trouble. If I am honest with myself about myself then I fall way short of being all that I should or want to be. We can be dishonest with ourselves about our own condition, trying to cover up by outward appearances and internal rationalizations. But that is a huge mistake and something that God won’t stand for. David tried to go along his merry way after his affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, but God sent a prophet to expose not just what he did but the condition of his heart. Many believe Ps 51 was a result of this ‘revelation’!

What is the first thing David says when he becomes aware of the truth about himself? He appeals to the truth about God!
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

When we realize who we are and what we are made of, we become acutely aware of our short comings. But instead of drawing back and trying to hide we need to run quickly to the cover of his ‘unfailing love, his compassion, his mercy.’ It’s the difference between the two men who Jesus observed praying, one thanking God he is not like ‘that sinner’, the man who was standing next to him. The other unable to even lift his eyes to heaven, calls out ‘ oh God be merciful to me a sinner.’ Which one walked away justified? God’s responds to a humble and contrite heart.
To worship in truth is to recognize that we are ‘poor, wretched, blind and naked’ and that we need to be clothed in the beauty and purity of the Lord. I cannot come to God on my own merit, but I can come freely and boldly to the throne of grace through the blood of Jesus that cleanses me and opens a way to God for me.
It is a comfort to know that the truth about God, trumps the truth about me, that is, as long as I am honest enough to admit the truth about me.