Just Because We Want It Doesn't Mean God Wants It

Sometimes, sincere and well-intentioned people want to introduce new practices into the worship of God. They might suggest ideas that were never commanded or practiced by Jesus, the apostles, or the early New Testament church.

When asked for biblical authorization, they often argue that we are free to worship God however we want, as long as it honors Him and seems like a good thing to do.

However, before embracing this philosophy, consider these important lessons from Scripture.

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David and Nathan: A Good Plan Rejected

Before his sin with Bathsheba, King David was described as “a man after God’s own heart.” Nathan was the faithful prophet who eventually confronted David about that sin.

After establishing peace in Israel, building a fine palace, and settling in Jerusalem, David felt guilty. He was living in luxury, while the Ark of the Covenant (the sacred chest representing God’s presence among Israel) was dwelling in a simple tent. This “tent” was the tabernacle (a portable tent of worship built exactly according to God’s instructions).

David shared his concern with Nathan, and the prophet replied:

“Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you” (2 Samuel 7:3)

Since two faithful, sincere men agreed on a plan to honor God, you might think God would be pleased. But before Nathan even left the palace grounds, God sent him back to David with a message. God did not want David to build Him a temple.

God explained:

“In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’” — 2 Samuel 7:7

God had the power to demand a temple, but He had never done so. This plan came from David’s heart, not God’s.

Both men were acting with presumption (assuming something is true or acceptable without authorization). Nathan presumed God supported the plan, and David presumed God would be pleased with something He had not commanded. Later, God did allow the temple to be built—but strictly on His own terms and instructions.

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Jeroboam’s Unauthorized Innovations

Some worship changes are not introduced with good intentions.

When Israel split into two kingdoms, King Jeroboam feared his subjects would travel to the southern kingdom of Judah to worship in Jerusalem as God commanded. He worried this would destabilize his rule.

To keep the people home, Jeroboam changed the worship system (1 Kings 12:25-33). Though these changes seemed practical to him, God saw them as abominable:

• New idols: He built golden calves at Dan and Bethel, telling the people, “These are the gods who brought you out of Egypt.” (Aaron had made the same mistake in Exodus 32:4).
• New priesthood: Instead of choosing priests only from the tribe of Levi as God commanded, he appointed anyone who wanted the job. (The book of Hebrews notes that God’s command automatically excluded all other tribes: Hebrews 7:14).
• New calendar: He changed the holy days of worship to days of his own choosing, similar to people today who choose convenient days over the Lord’s Day (the first day of the week).

Because of these actions, subsequent kings of Israel were condemned for “following the sins of Jeroboam… who had made Israel sin.”

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The Pharisees and Vain Worship

The Pharisees were a strict religious group in the New Testament. They tried to keep the Law of Moses, but they added their own man-made rules and condemned others for not following them.

Jesus rebuked them by quoting scripture:

“And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9)

Worship is vain (empty, worthless, and useless) when we follow human traditions rather than God’s commands.

Conclusion

God has given us clear instructions for how He wishes to be worshipped. It is presumption and pride to assume God will accept whatever worship we choose to offer.

True sincerity and humility mean worshipping God exactly as He has instructed.