_______________________________________

I am an AMC A-list member, meaning I can see up to three movies weekly at any AMC theatre for only $25/month. I tell everyone how great the membership is and how they need to get one, yet I only go to the movies once or twice a month. I tell everyone about the benefits of my membership, but I don’t redeem them, and it’s silly! I’m sure we all have signed up for memberships hoping that it will benefit our lives or save us money, but then we don’t use them.

One of the benefits of a relationship with Christ is that He forgives our sins (Psalm 103:2-3). By sin, I mean (1) knowing what is right or good and choosing not to do it or (2) knowing what is wrong and doing it anyway. The Bible is clear that sin separates us from God (Micah 3:4, Isaiah 59:2, Psalm 66:18). Music can be such an intangible, feeling-oriented space, and so in worship, we can easily look for settings that help us feel connected to God. I’ve often found myself blaming my local church and its leadership for why I’m not feeling worshipful. But in those moments, I could be harboring secret sins. I could be excusing things and normalizing habits and thoughts where the Holy Spirit has been convicting me. We are good at manipulating our feelings and chasing spiritual highs. But if you’re experiencing a lull in worship, I would first do a heart check.

REFLECTION: Is there unresolved sin in your life that is keeping you from worshipping God? Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate areas in your life that aren’t pleasing to Him, surrender them to Christ, and worship Him.

SONG RECOMMENDATIONS: Give Us Clean Hands (Charlie Hall), and O Come to the Altar (Elevation Worship)

______________________________________