“Mingled vanity and pride appear in this, that when miserable men do seek after God, instead of ascending higher than themselves as they ought to do, they measure him by their own carnal stupidity, and neglecting solid inquiry, fly off to indulge their curiosity in vain speculation. Hence, they do not conceive of him in the character in which he is manifested, but imagine him to be whatever their own rashness has devised. This abyss standing open, they cannot move one footstep without rushing headlong to destruction. With such an idea of God, nothing which they may attempt to offer in the way of worship or obedience can have any value in his sight, because it is not him they worship, but, instead of him, the dream and figment of their own heart. This corrupt procedure is admirably described by Paul, when he says, ‘thinking to be wise, they became fools.’ ” John Calvin. This Meditation was found in the Sunday, June 29, 2008 bulletin of Southeast Protestant Reformed Church pastored by Rev. William Langerak.
Do we seek to worship God in truth? Or, are we content with our own image of God?
Do we make such “solid inquiry” as Calvin states? Do we read the whole Bible? Or, do we just read a verse or chapter or two that seems to fit our image of God?
Do we read Scripture with the primary purpose to feel better about ourselves? Or, do we read Scripture with the primary purpose to learn about God?
Do we just listen to our favorite Pastor on Sunday? Or, do we also read Scripture throughout the week?
Do we listen or read just what our favorite preachers and teachers state? Or, do we also consider the historical confessions and creeds of the church?
Do we just accept as truth any Christian teaching or doctrine without thoughtful analysis or research? Or, do we also examine the Scriptures to see if that Christian teaching or doctrine is true according to Scriptures? (“Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11)
Do we diligently search for the truth and test it as if it were treasure? Or, do we just dig a little and accept whatever glitters?
Do we worship God as He has ordained in Scripture? Or, do we feel that we can worship God however we want?
In conclusion, Jesus said: “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 