Good Intentions Not Enough

One lesson I find deeply challenging in 1 Chronicles 15 is that it is possible to genuinely love God, desire to serve Him, and still try to do it our own way.

David wanted to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. His intention was good, the people were excited, and there was music and celebration. Yet the first attempt ended tragically because they carried the Ark on a cart instead of following the order God had already given. Later David understood the problem and said, “For that we sought him not after the due order” (1 Chronicles 15:13 KJV).

That statement speaks powerfully to our generation.

We live in an age where worship can easily become centered around what appeals to us: what sounds good, looks good, feels good, attracts people, is convenient, or fits the culture. We have beautiful music, talented singers, impressive technology, social media platforms, conferences, programs, and many creative ways of expressing our faith. None of these things are necessarily wrong. But there is an important question we must continually ask: Is this pleasing to God, and does it bring glory to Him?

The Bible gives us a simple but powerful standard in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” If this applies even to ordinary things like eating and drinking, how much more should it govern our worship and service to God?

Sometimes we measure worship by how it makes us feel. “I enjoyed the service.” “The music was amazing.” “The atmosphere was powerful.” But worship is ultimately not about our enjoyment; God is the One being worshipped. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24 KJV). Our worship must therefore be rooted in truth, not merely in feelings, trends, or personal preferences.

The first time David moved the Ark, there was enthusiasm but not obedience. The second time, something changed. 1 Chronicles 15:15 says they carried the Ark “as Moses commanded according to the word of the LORD.”

That is the difference!

God is not against excellence, creativity, instruments, technology, or joyful celebration. In fact, 1 Chronicles 15 itself describes singers, musicians, instruments, shouting, and great rejoicing. But all of it took place after they returned to God’s order.

This challenges me personally. Before asking, “Do I like this?” perhaps I should first ask, “Does God delight in this?” Before asking what is popular, modern, convenient, or culturally acceptable, I should ask, “What does the Word of God say, and will this glorify God?”

Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” We cannot separate our Christianity into “church life” and “everyday life.” Everything should come under the Lordship of Christ.

This applies beyond Sunday worship. It touches how we live, dress, speak, conduct our relationships, raise our families, lead ministries, handle money, and represent Christ online. Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” We cannot ask God to fit into the Christianity we have designed for ourselves. We are the ones who must surrender to Him and walk with Him in holiness.

Samuel’s words remain relevant: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22 KJV). And Jesus said plainly, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15 KJV). Love for God and obedience to His Word should never be separated.

May we never become so modern in our methods that we become careless about God’s Word. Let our worship be joyful, beautiful, creative, and excellent—but above everything else, let it be according to the Word of the Lord and for the glory of God.

Before we sing, preach, serve, post, organize, or introduce something new into our worship, perhaps these questions should guide us: Does this agree with God’s Word? Does this please God? Does this point people to Christ? And above all, does this glorify God?

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV

God deserves to be worshipped not merely in the way we prefer, but in the way He has chosen, that pleases and glorifies Him.

How are you serving God today? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 KJV). Open your heart to Him, accept His Lordship, and choose today to follow and obey Him. Jesus is calling—will you say yes?