The concept of convenience in worship refers to the practice of prioritizing ease and personal comfort over the reverence and obedience that true worship demands. This topic is addressed throughout the Bible, where the dangers of such an approach are highlighted through various narratives and teachings.

Old Testament Examples

One of the earliest examples of the danger of convenience in worship is found in the account of Cain and Abel. In Genesis 4:3-5, Cain offers "some of the fruits of the soil" as a sacrifice, while Abel brings "the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions." The Lord looks with favor on Abel's offering but not on Cain's. This passage illustrates the importance of offering God the best, rather than what is convenient or leftover.

The Israelites' worship of the golden calf in Exodus 32 is another poignant example. While Moses is on Mount Sinai receiving the Law, the people grow impatient and ask Aaron to make them gods. Aaron fashions a golden calf, and the people declare, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (Exodus 32:4). This act of idolatry, born out of impatience and convenience, leads to severe consequences, including the death of many Israelites.

The Reign of Jeroboam

The reign of King Jeroboam in the Northern Kingdom of Israel further exemplifies the dangers of convenience in worship. To prevent his subjects from traveling to Jerusalem to worship, Jeroboam sets up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, declaring, "Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:28). He establishes a system of worship that is convenient for the people but contrary to God's commandments. This act leads Israel into sin and idolatry, ultimately contributing to the kingdom's downfall.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of convenience in worship through His interactions with the Pharisees and other religious leaders. In Matthew 15:8-9, Jesus quotes Isaiah, saying, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men" . Here, Jesus criticizes the leaders for prioritizing human traditions over genuine worship, highlighting the danger of reducing worship to mere ritual and convenience.

The Apostle Paul also warns against convenience in worship in his letters to the early churches. In Romans 12:1, he urges believers to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" . Paul emphasizes that true worship requires sacrifice and commitment, not merely what is easy or convenient.

The Heart of Worship

Throughout Scripture, the heart of worship is shown to be a matter of the heart and obedience rather than external convenience. In John 4:23-24, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well, "But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and truth" . This passage underscores the importance of sincerity and truth in worship, as opposed to mere convenience.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of convenience in worship, urging believers to prioritize genuine devotion and obedience to God. Through various narratives and teachings, Scripture highlights the importance of offering God our best, worshiping in spirit and truth, and avoiding the pitfalls of idolatry and superficiality.