Satan knows something about us humans that we fail to realize: We weren’t created to simply worship, but rather we’re created worshiping. Everyone worships something or someone at all times.
The question is, “Is what we’re worshiping at all times the Source of our true life and true identity?”
This question is the most important question we can ask because our identity determines how we see God, ourselves, other people, and how we engage the world.
The identity-deceiver, Satan, and his demonic forces want us to misplace our worship and live an EGO- (Edging God Out) driven life. He’s still using the same tactics that he used on Jesus with us,
Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these I will give You, if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.’” —Matthew 4:8-10 ESV
Satan is saying to us, “Bow down and worship me and I will give you everything you want!” It may sound something like this:
- “If you’re unsatisfied in your marriage, leave it. You deserve better.”
- “Teenagers, if you’re mad at your parents, disrespect them; show them who is in charge. I’ll give you what you want.”I
- “If you want more money—which you deserve—cheat just a little at work or on your taxes; everybody does it. I’ll give you what you want.”
Jesus knew the defense against such life-destroying lies was worship. And worshiping God will give us an unshakable identity.
Listen to Jesus’ words: Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.’”
Worship is an attitude of adoration towards God that proclaims, “You, God (Father, Son, and Spirit), are my life and identity. In You and You only is my satisfaction and reason for being.”
In view of God the Papa’s mercy revealed in Jesus, worship Him today.
Marinate on that,
Pastor Derwin
