In a small village, Mityebiri, nestled among rolling hills, two men, Joseph and Daniel, attended the same church every Sunday. Both were known in the community as devout believers, but their approaches to worship were markedly different.
Joseph was always the first to arrive at church, impeccably dressed and carrying his well-worn Bible. He took pride in his knowledge of the scriptures and could often be heard reciting verses from memory. During the service, he sang loudly and visibly participated in all the rituals. To those around him, Joseph appeared to be a model of devotion.
Daniel, on the other hand, was a quiet and humble man. He often arrived just as the service started, sometimes with a streak of dirt on his clothes from his early morning work in the fields. He didn’t sing as loudly as Joseph and wasn’t as eloquent in his prayers. But those who took the time to know him saw a different side to his worship.
One day, after the service, a visitor approached the pastor and asked about Joseph and Daniel. The visitor was curious about why Daniel, despite his quiet demeanor, seemed to have a deeper connection with God.
The pastor smiled and recounted a story he had witnessed. One evening, he had gone to check on Daniel after hearing about a poor harvest. He found Daniel kneeling in his garden, hands clasped in prayer, his face lifted toward the heavens.
“Lord, I thank You for the rain, sun, and even challenges,” Daniel prayed. “I trust in Your provision, and I am grateful for Your blessings, seen and unseen.”
The pastor was moved by Daniel’s heartfelt gratitude and trust in God despite his hardships. He realized that Daniel’s worship wasn’t confined to the church walls or the rhythm of a service. It was a daily, moment-by-moment expression of his relationship with God.
Recalling Matthew 15:8-9, the pastor explained to the visitor, “Joseph honors God with his lips, but his heart may not always be in it. Daniel’s worship comes from a place of genuine love and humility. He lives out his faith in every aspect of his life, not just on Sundays.”
The visitor nodded, understanding the lesson. True worship is not about outward appearances or rituals but about the sincerity of the heart. It’s about living a life that reflects God’s love and grace every day and in every way.
Do not cry Jesus Loves You
About Author
