Justin Tucker
LHC Worship Pastor
John 4:24
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
In today’s culture of filtered images and carefully crafted social media posts, authenticity can feel like a rare gem. We’re often tempted to present a polished version of ourselves, even in our worship. But Jesus reminds us in John 4:24 that true worship is not about outward appearances or performance; it’s about worshiping God from a place of authenticity, in spirit and truth.
Imagine the TV show “Catfish,” where people form connections online based on false identities. When the truth is revealed, there’s often pain and disappointment. Similarly, when we approach worship with a façade, we deceive not only ourselves but also God.
Authentic worship begins with honesty. It’s about bringing our true selves before God, without masks or pretense. Just as the participants on “Catfish” long for genuine connections, our souls long for genuine encounters with the living God.
When we worship authentically, we acknowledge God for who He truly is – our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. We don’t need to impress Him with $20 words or perfect performances. Instead, we come as we are, with our joys, sorrows, doubts, and fears, knowing that God accepts us just as we are.
Like the individuals on “Catfish” who seek validation and acceptance, we, too, long for acceptance and affirmation. But unlike the momentary validation of social media, true fulfillment comes from worshiping God authentically. As we pour out our hearts before Him, we find comfort, strength, and satisfaction in His presence.
So, let’s approach worship with humility and honesty, laying aside our masks and insecurities. Let’s worship God in spirit and truth, knowing that He delights in our authenticity and longs to meet us right where we are.