The Only One Deserving Worship

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11 NIV)

Laura Story has been in pretty heady territory recently.  The singer/songwriter won a Grammy this year for her song, “Blessings.”  She won Best Song, Best Album, and Best Pop/Contemporary Song at the 2012 Dove Awards, and she has been nominated three years in a row for Female Artist of the Year.  With these honors has come increasing notoriety and popularity.  Yet, in a radio interview I heard over the weekend, she said that at the end of the day, in spite of her popularity, she is still a sinner and her name belongs nowhere near the Name in receiving adulation.  

In a culture that worships celebrity, where the number one goal of many teens is to become famous, and where people often know more about the lives of celebrities than those of their neighbors, it is refreshing to hear a celebrity reject the perpetual fawning that comes with growing fame. Story made it clear there is only One who deserves to be worshipped.  It is a good reminder in this world of celebrity in which we live.

Whether it be a superstar athlete, an A-List actor, a reality TV star, or even a popular Christian singer, all are mere human beings and fallen ones at that.  Their faces may be well known, they may be extraordinary at what they do, and they may be very wealthy, but at the end of the day, they are sinners just like the rest of us, falling far short of the glory of the One who made them.  

Many people have exchanged worship of God to worship of human beings.  And, sadly, many who are worshipped embrace it as though they somehow deserve it.  Even sadder, many long to become like them, to be worshipped as well.  The world desperately needs more Laura Storys, who, in spite of their fame, reject any notion they are deserving of worship.  For there is only One Name at which our knees should bow in adulation and which eventually all knees will bow.  That name is Jesus.

Today, examine your heart.  Is there anyone or anything you worship besides Jesus?  Recognize He is the only One deserving of your worship.  Nothing else even comes close.

Jim Musser 2012