Jesus tells us in John 4:23-24 that the role of true worshipper is the most important one a believer could ever fulfill. Worship is simply a passionate expression of our love, honor and reverence for God, acknowledging who He is, what He has done and what He will do.

If we want to please God and attract His presence, true worship must include an altar, but also an acceptable sacrifice,

1. Without an acceptable sacrifice, it’s not true worship. But what is an acceptable sacrifice? It is offering something to God that is valuable to you and costs you everything. Whatever form that sacrifice takes (time, talent, money, praise or just your daily lifestyle), it must be the best you have. Or it’s not worthy of an awesome God!
2. Giving your best comes at a cost. If it doesn’t, it is not your best. God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as an act of worship. He didn’t tell him to offer just anything. Neither did He let Abraham choose which son to give. God was specific. Otherwise, Abraham might have offered up Ishmael instead. It may have been easier to offer his illegitimate son because it didn’t cost or hurt him as much as giving the legitimate, promised son. But then it wouldn’t have been an acceptable sacrifice (1 Peter 2:5) or true worship to God.
3. Don’t give God an “Ishmael offering” in your praise, tithe or commitment. Give Him your best! But remember, giving your best requires that you crucify your flesh. God wants first place in every area of your life (money, family, talent, resources and your most treasured possessions).
4. The following are a few acceptable sacrifices that attract God’s presence: walking in forgiveness; loving and doing good to your enemies; giving Him thanksgiving and praise when times are tough; giving your first fruits through tithes and offerings; living holy before Him and giving Him the best time of your day—fasting and praying.
5. Worship is not just paying lip service (Isaiah 29:13). People say they love God, but their body language (actions) tell another story. They say the right things and appear to be giving their all to Him, but their hearts are not with Him.
6. Your sacrifice has a voice (Hebrews 11:4). What do your sacrifices say to God? Is it telling Him that He is the most valuable and important person in your life? Does it say, “God you are the center of my life and I can’t and won’t live without you”? Does it tell God how grateful you are for the sacrifice, mercy and unconditional love He’s blessed you with? And does it express your honor and reverence to the all-powerful and all-holy God?
7. Let’s please our heavenly Father and pledge ourselves to be the true worshippers of Yahweh Adonai that He longs for. He is the one and only true God. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob sacrificed His best for us. He is truly worthy of your worship!

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