You Are Who You Worship
There is no argument that any one believes in nothing. What or who we believe in forms our attitude, stimulates our desires, moves us into action. There a spectrum of belief systems cascading human sociology which affect the cultural aspect of how we live as individuals within a group. In other words, as any person thinks in his heart (believes) so is he (Proverbs 7a). Where does our thinking come from? It comes from inside as we view the world outside. We construct what we believe in either by adopting the experiences of those who came before us, or by our own personal experiences (good or bad), or a combination (or rejection) of both.
The spectrum of human belief systems is wide ranging from self-aggrandizement to complete and humble submission to the Most High God.
To believe in yourself can take on two starkly different forms. On the one hand, there is a healthy faith to have in one’s natural talents, or abilities. This is what makes you special, or unique, among humans. God asked for skilled craftsmen to design His tabernacle in the wilderness. Inside Hebrew boy Daniel and his friends was a spirit of excellence.
Inside of you is a talent or ability, which, when made excellent, can benefit the whole world. So, it is imperative that each of us has a belief in making our talents or abilities into something excellent. Most of the world’s greatest singers have trained their voices into vocal perfection. And a scientist of every generation has “discovered” something awesome in our environment to help cure diseases. The architect designs fabulous buildings, while the chef makes food into an unforgettable palatable fine dining experience.
On the other, and opposite, hand, some create a belief system of self-indulgence which is what can be labelled licentious, or an incredible appetite to feed the flesh while puffing up the ego, with comments like, “I ….., and I ……, and I …..” You know such people. They are so self-centered, they are blind to anyone who cannot satisfy whatever they thirst for. Their belief system has made self into a god. It is easy for the selfish to say, “There is no God” because they have become their own god.
In the middle of the spectrum of beliefs is a group of people who belief there is a Supreme Being, but are confused as to how he (or she) operates in their own lives, so they transfer that confusion into acts of good works believing that their reward will be given to them by this god they so desperately try to appease. There is no harm in doing good. The danger lies inside the reasons for why you do what you do—is it to seek favour from man? Or is it to “buy” points with a god you don’t know? Some carve these gods with hands to keep reminding themselves of who they believe in. Can such carved idols understand the workings of human psyche or physiology so as to be able to solve problems with an abundant peaceful ending?
Who do you believe in, dear? If you think in your heart that God does not exist, then you are feeding off selfish tendencies. Your worship is to self, and the ending to that worship is isolation which fosters lack of true love in your life. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own (1 Corinthians 13 :4b – 6a). A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire ; He rages against all wise judgment (Proverbs 18 :1).
If you think in your heart that there does exist a Supreme Being, but not that One in the Judeo Torah-Christian Bible, then you are disconnected from the Source that gave you life, and are chasing after a god who can neither sympathize (know who you are) or empathize (feel what you feel) with the nature of your humanity. You become an object worshipping another object with no objective, no purpose—always unsure if you are satisfying the “wants” of what you believe that object or god desires by pouring this, praying that many times, sacrificing blood, cutting, tattooing, prostituting, chanting, (etcetera) for it. Your worship is to an object so far away from you, there is no personal relationship, and as such, you are empty—an empty vessel wanting to be filled up with true love.
What an amazing and fantastic journey one travels when connected to the Source of Life and Who is Love! You are who you worship. When you decide to worship the Most Supreme Being and accept Him into your heart, you become like Him. You rejoice in the truth, hope all things [good], endure all things, and never stop being in love (1 Corinthians 13:6b-8a). This God was made flesh and dwelt among us frail humans. He gave us power over all evil and a sound mind not be confused with who He really is. He does not demand objects from us. He is holy, therefore our love for Him, compels us to be holy so that we can see Him face to face and embrace Him as Lord and Friend. He hears our cries and answers our prayers. He is our healer, our provider, our protector, our comforter. As we are made in His image, we become more and more like Him as we walk with Him every day of our lives.
This God is Jesus Christ. A belief system is man-made. It can change when it expires. Who is in your heart? Do you feel isolated and empty? Do you thirst for true love? It can only be found when you Come to Me, all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry [by worshipping self or beings you call gods]. I will give you rest. Accept My teachings. Learn from Me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get rest for your souls. Yes, the teaching that I ask you to accept is easy. The load I give you to carry is light (Matthew 11:28-30, ERV).
Will you come and never stop being in Love? This is your Merry Christmas! Every day.
© 2021 by Patience Osei-Anyamesem. All rights reserved. Published by The Light In Me Enterprise. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews or other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations are from The New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.