They gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us.” (Ex. 32:1)

My oldest child, like many firstborns, was born with an independent streak. And it was my job as her mom to help her channel that in positive ways—both as my child and someday as a child of God. It was a process. Frequently when I would start to do something for her, she would reach out her tiny hands and say, “Ashley do it.” Sometimes, depending on the situation at hand, I would let her try; other times, I would say “No, Mommy will do it this time.”

I find that this independent streak is in adults too regarding worship. The older I become, the more attached I am to the form of worship that reminds me of familiar days when I was young, when life seemed secure and stretched out before me like an unplayed song. It is difficult for me to push myself toward a new method. I like to craft my worship toward my likes.

If I’m elevating worship preferences over worship principles, perhaps I am not so unlike those wandering Hebrews of old. The God they thought they could count on had done something they didn’t understand, and they wanted to worship another who was more comfortable, one who was visible and predictable. They wanted to do worship their way. And, in their childish disregard for higher wisdom, they sinned greatly. Lord, keep us from that path.

Let worship reflects the nature of the One to whom it is due.

Valorie Quesenberry is a pastor’s wife and mom who lives in Indiana and likes to recharge with coffee and time with friends.

© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.