We Choose Praise: A 3 Day Devotional From Life.Church WorshipUzorak

How Praise Ministers to God—and to Us

The first light-emitting diodes (LEDs) appeared in consumer electronics in the 1960s. While they’d existed for decades, they were difficult to create, and because of limitations in efficiency, we were only able to make invisible (infrared) or red lights. Since then, scientists have tackled the task of producing a full spectrum of color with LED technology. But most likely, you and I still interact with infrared LEDs often. They are the little bulbs at the end of most remote controls.

Remote controls are designed to shine infrared light. Pressing any remote button will activate the LED. But until you point a remote at the device it’s programmed to interact with, its purpose remains unfulfilled. Nothing happens. The LED shines in vain. And the remote misses out on its potential.

We are designed to praise. We were made to transmit affection and adoration. But until we direct that adoration to the One we were created to praise, our purpose remains unfulfilled. We miss out on our potential and meaning.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism—a collection of simplified biblical ideas put together by pastors and theologians so Christians could easily understand big concepts—starts with these words:

What is the chief end of man?

The chief end of man is to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever.

How many of us struggle with a lack of purpose or meaning? Scripture is clear. We were made to worship. And the truth is, we do. We worship all the time. But often, our praise is misdirected.

Look at the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai. In the absence of their leader, they found something to praise that was not praiseworthy. How often does our affection and adoration find unworthy hosts? Whether it’s directed at our own ego, a habit, a substance (did someone say sugar?), a celebrity, or a loved one, until our worship is directed toward God, we miss out on our purpose.

Think about where your affection and adoration get directed. What commands your attention? What do you think about the most? If someone took what you said, did, and thought about yesterday, what would they determine is most important to you? What’s one step you could take today to live out your purpose and direct your praise toward God?

-Luke Guevara, Worship Pastor

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