Read Jeremiah 51:51
In Jeremiah’s day, God’s people were deeply ashamed when outsiders entered the sacred places of the temple—places reserved only for the priests. It was a painful reminder of how God’s house had been dishonored. Sadly, we can see similar things happening today when people approach the things of God without truly knowing Him.
God is jealous for His worship, not because He is harsh, but because He is holy. He invites us to come, but only through faith in Christ. Let us be sure that our hearts are truly His, so that when we worship, serve, and partake in His ordinances, we do so as His beloved children—not as strangers.
Churches can lose their purity when faith becomes a formality, when those unconverted are treated as though they belong without ever truly surrendering to Christ, or when worship becomes routine instead of holy. Mixing the holy with the unholy is like polluting fresh water with poison, or throwing stones into a fertile field—it damages what God designed to bring life.
But before we point outward, we must begin with ourselves. Am I approaching God’s presence with a true heart of faith? Am I coming to the Lord’s Table with reverence and humility? Scripture warns that it is possible to be among the “many called” but not among the “few chosen.” That’s why we must pray with David: “Search me, O God, and know my heart.”
Prayer
Holy God, thank You for inviting me into Your presence through Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I have treated holy things lightly or come before You with a careless heart. Search me, Lord, and purify my motives. Keep my worship sincere, my service humble, and my heart fully Yours. Help me honor Your Church as a gathering of true believers, and may my life reflect Your holiness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bp. Paul Solomon Maglaya
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