Distracted?

Most of this is quoted from "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren...

My biggest distraction in worship used to be myself - my worries over what other people would think about me.

But the Holy Spirit has given me the boldness to not be ashamed of how enthusiastically I praise the Lord now!

The best style of worship is the one that most authentically represents my love for God, based on the background and personality that God gave me.

There is no "one size fits all" approach to worship and friendship with God. One thing is certain: I don't bring glory to God by trying to be someone he never intended me to be. God wants me to be myself.

Real worship costs. One thing worship costs is my self centeredness. I cannot exalt God and myself at the same time. I don't worship to be seen by others or to please myself. I have to deliberately shift the focus off of me.

When Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength," (Mark 12:30) he pointed out that worship takes effort and energy. It is not always convenient or comfortable, and sometimes worship is a sheer act of the will - a willing sacrifice. Passive worship is an oxymoron.

When I praise God even when I don't feel like it, when I get out of bed to worship when I'm tired, or when I help others when I am worn out, I am offering a sacrifice of worship to God.

The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.

In happy moments, praise God. In difficult moments, seek God. In quiet moments, worship God. In painful moments, trust God. But in every moment, thank God!!!

To keep me from feeling distracted by what other people think, I take off my glasses now when I worship. Everybody around me is a big blur and I basically cannot see them. My focus is now off of the people around me and on my God! And I love Him with all my heart and soul!

Are you distracted?