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Europe has many old, lovely and grand Cathedrals with artistically crafted stained glass windows. These ancient buildings carry more than 100 years of Christian worship and religious history. Sadly today, some of them are no longer places of Christian worship but have become entertainment centres or else derelict and dilapidated ruins. In some countries, these Cathedrals have been converted to Mosques or museums, like the Hagia Sophia in Turkey. In recent years these outwardly ostentatious and magnificent Churches have not testified to the truth in Christian worship. The religious ceremonies carried out consist of merely practices or forms of rituals attune to what King Solomon called “mindless offerings to God”. Contrast this to the many underground house Churches in China, simple and small, barely lit, overcrowded, standing room only, but with fervour in hearts that do not need to speak – only to offer true worship.
In sharing these thoughts in Ecclesiastes 5, King Solomon felt it necessary to get back to basics in our relationship with God. Simply put, he tells us to “guard your steps” and not to come to the House of God to “play religion”, speak rashly or irreverently and make “the sacrifices of fools.” This apparently is a dangerous thing, hence he cautions us to “guard” and “watch” our steps and walk prudently into the House of God. Being on guard tells us that there are real dangers in doing wrong and it is easy to make such errors. If anything is worth noting, it must be this advice on how to walk before Almighty God and enter into His presence. He warns us to take extreme care and caution over mind and speech in our relationship with a holy God. We are not to be frivolous and careless in attitude and utter imprudent words. He counsels us against making promises and speaking words we cannot keep, “too much activity gives you restless dreams, too many words make you a fool” (Ecclesiastes 5:3 NLT) and “in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness” (Ecclesiastes 5:7 NASB).
We are reminded that God – He is in heaven – and the implication is that He is Almighty, Infinite and Omnipotent. King Solomon tells us that God does not need our words and promises. It is the heart condition that will qualify our approach to the throne of God. “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart…” (Ps. 24:3-4). Hollow words and impulsive pledges are of no worth before a Holy God. Worship God in spirit and in truth.
