What is the importance of worship and what are its benefits?

Worship is defined in Webster’s Dictionary, 1828 as to “Worship is to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission.” Many honest and sincere Christians think that if you love God and give glory to God, that this is enough. Some quote the Apostle Paul: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) and believe that when you are baptized you will now fully enjoy the benefits arising from being His child. 

However, our Lord explained to be a true disciple is to follow in His footsteps. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)  Thus, the act of worship involves adoring God above all else and submitting to His will in every aspect of our lives. Worship involves active choices not merely passive subjection. As the Apostle Peter exhorts, “be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15).

Consider Jesus’ example. He so adored and honored His Father’s will that all of His words and actions glorified God. “…The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works,” John 14:10. Therefore our hearts’ devotion and worship will be reflected in all we do and say.

How did the world respond to Jesus’ ministry? Our Lord incurred the hatred of the world. “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you,” John.15:20. The Apostles met the same fate. In fact, all sincere Christians will be hated because they do not embrace worldly values. “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you,” John 15:18.

Yet, our suffering develops our characters by teaching us to obey even under extreme persecution. Hebrews 5:8 explains that even Jesus, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” So, we too endure disciplines in order to be developed into His character likeness. “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it,” Hebrews 12:11. Therefore, one result of worship is becoming transformed into His character image. (See Romans 8:29.)

A wonderful benefit of true worship is our heavenly reward. When resurrected, we shall be like Him (1 John 3:2) and be co-heirs with Him. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” Romans 8:17.

What's your view on 12 step programs?

12 Step programs can be a great blessing. These programs are designed for people with addictions or behaviors they cannot stop. The first three steps help the person to acknowledge he is out of control, powerless over the addiction. Then he recognizes God can help restore his sanity. Finally, he gives his will and life over to God’s care. How wonderful! God wants all people (addicts or not) to give their lives over to Him.

As with any sin, our lives are damaged by engaging in it. Therefore the next nine steps address the decay of our characters and the injuries we have inflicted upon others. By recognizing, taking responsibility for our faults, and making amends, we mature. We leave the infantile state of being self-centered, irresponsible, and sinful and are able to grow into responsible, caring, mature adults.

Having said this, not every 12 Step meeting is healthy. Sometimes it takes a while to find a meeting where you might feel safe sharing your problems. By attending meetings, you will have the support, understanding, and friendship of other sufferers. One important aspect of meetings is you will not be able to pull the wool over other addicts’ eyes by rationalization. They will see through your denials, hold you accountable, and encourage you to recover! Through working a 12 Step program, you will learn of God’s power, receive the support of others, and may grow into a mature adult.

Why did King Saul hate David so much?

The Bible records many accounts of Saul displaying jealousy and hatred toward David – who was his personal musician, armor-bearer, army captain, son-in-law and successor. Saul saw that David was “a man after God’s own heart”, and it made him all the more aware of his own failings and weaknesses.

Early on, Saul was described as “a man without equal” (1 Samuel 9:2). The whole book of 1 Samuel chronicles the changing character of Saul’s heart. Chapter 10:6-9 tells us that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Saul and he was given a new heart. As long as he served, feared and obeyed God, he and his kingdom would be blessed.  If he rebelled against God’s commandments, God’s judgment would be against him and the nation (12:14). In the beginning, Saul was a popular, humble, strong leader and warrior. He honored God and followed the prophet Samuel’s counsel. He did not have evil intentions, but lacked proper respect and reverence for the Lord and His provisions. While he might have been desirous of serving God, he was also desirous of serving himself. Sadly, he began to assert his own will and disobeyed God’s instructions. Saul was always a free-will agent in full control of his choices, but we know that "A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways."(James 1:8)

When David was anointed, the Lord’s spirit filled David and departed from Saul. “And the Spirit of Jehovah turned aside from Saul, and a spirit of sadness from Jehovah terrified him” (16:14-Young’s Translation). This distressing spirit was permitted by the LORD. Thereafter, Saul viewed David with suspicion- rage so intense that he attempted murder. Viewing David as his enemy, he did everything he could to dishonor David (18:7-15; 20:34). Perhaps he feared David because he knew the LORD was with him.

Saul became increasingly isolated, arrogant, attention-seeking (22:8); and “spiritually blind”. Samuel was forced to advise him twice that his kingdom would not endure and that he had been replaced as King: “Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord” (13:8-14) and “…The Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbor of thine, that is better than thou…” (15:10-31).

In the meantime, David was prospering because the Lord was with him. David went wherever Saul sent him, and behaved wisely (18:14). Even Saul’s righteous son, “… Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself” (18:3).  Because Jonathan was surrendered to God he could see the hand of the LORD upon David and was perfectly willing to set aside his own ambition to honor the LORD's choice.  “… David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul. So his name was highly esteemed” (18:30). Twice, David spared Saul’s life – in the cave and in the wilderness!

Saul forgot that “…to obey is better than sacrifice” (15:17-22). He did not properly receive the lessons the Lord provided and neglected his opportunity to be used in God’s service. King Saul hated David because David’s character exemplified everything Saul’s character did not.