One litmus test of our love for God is not just sympathy toward the poor but a lifestyle of love and service to those in need. One shocking example comes from the book of Amos. in Amos 5:23-24 God says he hates religious gatherings and songs of praise when they are without substantive (think lacking in substance) commitments to justice and righteousness. Our worship services and fellowship gatherings, our signing and playing of musical instruments, are not only worthless in the absence of justice and righteousness, they even incite God to anger. In worship we claim to respect and honor God and his word, praising Him for His character and pledging our faithfulness. Yet if we refuse to actually take his Word seriously by caring for the poor, our worship mocks God.
by Kevin Blue from Faith on the Edge: Daring to follow Jesus.
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