Stepping Out With God - Pasir Panjang Church of Christ Singapore

Christian Worship as Contrasted
with Eastern Worship
If you are like me, we were brought up by parents who worshipped one of
the many Eastern gods. Growing up, much of their practices were either
taught or ingrained in our susceptible young minds. As such, even when we
have embraced Christ, many of the notions still linger in our thiniking even
as we strive to worship in spirit and in truth.
Below are some notions that we will do well to discard as we seek to worship
God more devotedly.
1. In many Eastern religions, we come to worship when and as we feel like,
individually, and leave as we come in without the mutual support nor
connection with fellow believers. Hebrews 10:25 not only encourages us not
to forsake the assemblies but to exhort one another as we prepare for the
fellowship.
2. Invariably, worshippers of Eastern faith go to temples when they have a
need or request, always to seek a blessing. Hebrews 13:15 exhorts us to
offer sacrifices to God; to seek the Giver and not the gifts.
3. In Eastern worships, the focus is on participation of the ritual - so long as
the devotee performs the ritual, the worship is satisfactorily completed. John
4:24 teaches us to worship God in spirit and in truth.
4. As a child, my grandmother taught us to says prayers asking for blessings
for the family, but also to be sure to add some curses to people whom we do
not like. Matthew 5:44 directs us to bless those who curse us and pray for
those who despitefully use and persecute us.
5. Very few Eastern religions demand a change of heart or lifestyle amongst
its adherents. You can carry on drinking, gambling and all other vices.
Romans 12:2 demands that we do not conform to this world but be
transformed by the renewing of our minds.
It is so important to understand that we need to make a clear and distinct
shift from our former beliefs so that we may prove what is the good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
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