Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

I remember my high school English teacher vividly; she ignited a passion for writing in me that has significantly shaped my life. One of the most critical lessons she imparted was the importance of excellence. She would always say, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” This principle forced me to evaluate my time spent on academic papers and reports critically. I rewrote countless assignments during my sophomore year until they met not only her standards but my own expectations as well. The sacrifices during that season — forgoing ball games and late-night sleep — were small prices to pay for a valuable lesson: striving for quality yields immeasurable rewards.
This notion of sacrifice extends beyond academics into many areas of our life. As believers, one of our most significant callings is worship — a powerful act of honoring and glorifying God. Worship is certainly “worth doing,” but how do we ensure that we do it right? In the pages of Second Samuel, specifically in Chapter 24, we unearth crucial lessons about worship from the experiences of King David.

The Context of David’s Dilemma
King David was a man intentionally chosen by God, revered for his close relationship with Him; however, even David was not immune to disobedience. In Second Samuel 24:1, we see David making a grave mistake: commanding a census of Israel. God had forbidden such an action, as it was not simply a count but a demonstration of reliance on human strength rather than divine provision. David’s decision to take a census disobeyed God’s command and brought dire consequences to the nation of Israel.
Understanding the severity of his error, David was presented with three options of punishment: a prolonged famine for three years, three years of relentless enemies in pursuit, or three days of plague. At first glance, choosing three days of plague seemed the least severe option. However, this “easier” choice resulted in the tragic loss of 70,000 lives among the Israelites. This emphasizes an important reality — our choices have consequences, and what may seem like an easy way out sometimes leads to unintended damage.

A Lesson on Sacrifice and Worship
In the face of calamity and heartbreak, David sought to make amends with God. He decided to build an altar to the Lord at Arounah’s threshing floor, a site identified for its pivotal spiritual significance. When Arounah offered the threshing floor for free, David’s response was profound and illuminating: “No, I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24, ESV). This declaration carries immense weight; it teaches us that genuine worship necessitates sacrifice, and there can be no true offering without a price paid.
David’s refusal to accept the gift reflects a beautiful truth about worship: it should cost us something. God deserves our very best. As you offer your worship, consider your sacrifice. Arounah’s initial gesture to give was kind-hearted, but David understood that true worship comes from a place of personal investment, a connection that cannot be conjured through mere convenience.

The Heart of Worship: Giving Our Best to God
So, what does it mean to give God our best? Each day presents countless opportunities for worship, acts of service, and expressions of gratitude. As we navigate life, we must determine what our personal best looks like. Are we offering our best prayers, time, and resources in service to God? What about our emotional investments, community engagements, and personal sacrifices?
Our worship cannot be complacent. It should reflect the true value we place on our relationship with God. Just as David refused to offer a sacrifice that didn’t cost him anything, we must evaluate what we are offering to God in our daily lives.
For many, the concept of a sacrifice may feel foreign or overly demanding. However, true worship is not merely about material offerings or grand gestures; it’s about the posture of our hearts. Sacrificial worship encourages us to consider how we can better serve God, not just through financial gifts but through acts of love, kindness, and devotion.

Investing in our Relationship with God
Investing in a loving relationship with God sometimes requires us to challenge ourselves. Are we willing to wake up early to spend time in prayer? Will we seek to carve out intentional moments in our busy schedules for reflection on God’s Word? Such acts might initially seem insignificant, but when they stem from genuine love and adoration, they transform into vibrant worship.
Our sacrifices can also extend beyond our personal lives into our communities. Marginalized individuals and vulnerable communities can often appear desolate, leaving us questioning how we might provide aid. Engaging in social justice, volunteering, and showing compassion require a willingness to set aside our own comfort for the sake of others, all rooted in our worship of God.
Furthermore, sharing the Gospel with others can sometimes demand personal sacrifice. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones, often facing rejection or misunderstanding. Yet, it’s this very act of sacrifice — sharing the Good News — that mirrors the very heart of God’s love for humanity and is a beautiful expression of worship.

The Reflection of Our Worship
Ultimately, the measure of our worship reveals our understanding of God’s worthiness. As we pursue a relationship with Him, we recognize that He deserves our absolute best. The value we assign to worship is demonstrated through both our sacrifices and our willingness to engage deeply with Him.
Therefore, as you reflect on your own practices of worship, take stock of what it may mean for you to offer your best to God. What areas in your life can reflect a sacrificial heart? What does it look like to declare God’s greatness by investing time, energy, and resources into your relationship?
In conclusion, King David teaches us that worship is fundamentally sacrificial. To do it right means making an active choice to engage deeply and genuinely with God — refining our hearts and lives. It’s this understanding that we should carry forth as stewards of our faith. Always remember: If it’s truly worth doing, it’s worth doing right; so let’s give God the best of ourselves. After all, He is definitely worth it.