“The people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.” (Exodus 32:6)
Instead of seeking God, the Israelites turned their worship into a party. Their focus shifted from honoring the Lord to entertaining themselves. The golden calf wasn’t just an idol—it was an excuse to indulge in fleshly pleasures.
Many churches today do the same. Instead of preaching truth, they focus on making people feel good. Instead of convicting hearts, they aim to entertain. But worship isn’t about enjoyment—it’s about holiness.
Biblical Examples of Pleasure Over Holiness
- Belshazzar’s Feast (Daniel 5:1-30) – King Belshazzar threw a massive party, drinking from the sacred vessels of the temple. While they celebrated, judgment was already written on the wall. That very night, he was slain.
- Nadab and Abihu’s Strange Fire (Leviticus 10:1-3) – They offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, thinking they could worship their way. God struck them down instantly.
- The Corinthian Church’s Abuse of the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:20-22, 27-30) – Instead of honoring Christ, they treated the Lord’s Supper like a common feast. Paul warned that many were weak, sick, and even dead because of their irreverence.
Signs That Worship Has Become Entertainment
- Worship Becomes About Feeling Good, Not Pleasing God – True worship is for God’s glory, not our enjoyment. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power” (Revelation 4:11).
- Church Becomes a Show, Not a Sanctuary – Music, lights, and emotional highs replace biblical preaching. But God commands, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16).
- Holiness is Ignored – Many today want an uplifting message but don’t want to hear about sin. Yet God says, “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
- People Leave Church the Same Way They Came – True worship changes us. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Conviction is Drowned Out by Entertainment – Paul warned that people will “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
The Israelites turned worship into a festival of indulgence. Today, many turn church into a feel-good experience while avoiding the hard truths of Scripture. But worship should lead to holiness, not just happiness.
