Psalm 29:2 - Worship as a Just Return to God

Psalm 29:2 - "Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness."

Have you ever given someone a compliment that just felt right? “That was wonderful,” or “You did a great job on that,” saying it not out of politeness, but because it was the only honest thing to say. That’s what Psalm 29:2 is all about. When we worship God, we’re not just participating in a church activity—we’re responding truthfully to who God is. Worship is simply the most fitting response we can give to the greatness and goodness of our God.

David said, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.” In other words, give God what He’s rightfully owed. This isn’t about hyping up God or flattering Him—He doesn’t need that. It’s about recognizing and honoring His worth. God’s name—His very nature, character, and reputation—deserves glory. To give Him less would fall way short of what He truly deserves.

And really, what a name it is! Psalm 29 says we worship the Lord “in the splendor of His holiness.” Holiness here speaks of more than moral purity—it reflects God’s absolute uniqueness, His radiant beauty, His separateness from all creation, and His glorious difference from everything else we know. When we catch even a glimpse of that holiness, worship becomes less about preference or style and more about reverence and awe. Worship becomes a return—not payment, but praise. Not from obligation, but from overflow.

And here’s something interesting:  worship doesn’t just go to God, it also does something in us. When we turn our eyes toward Him, when we give Him the honor He deserves, our hearts start to change. Worship shapes us. It stretches our vision and lifts us out of our own small worlds. Worship reminds us that life isn’t centered on us, but on God. Romans 12 talks about offering our lives as a “living sacrifice” in worship—and how that act renews our minds and transforms us.

Worship also reorients us. It untangles our hearts from the clutter of fear, pride, worry, and self-focus, and draws us back to what matters most:  the goodness and glory of God.

But it doesn’t stop there. Worship also speaks to the world. When people see God’s people gathering to praise—not because we’re trying to impress anyone, but because we delight in God—they see something deeper than religion. They see a relationship. They see joy. They see truth. In fact, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14 that even unbelievers can be moved to worship when they see the real presence of God among His people. Worship becomes a testimony—clear, powerful, and beautiful.

Worship is our attempt—imperfect, yet sincere—to return to God the thankfulness He deserves for all He has done for us. It’s not just a moment of song or a warm, spiritual feeling. It’s the fitting and joyful response of hearts that have been created, loved, and redeemed by Him.

When we worship, we’re offering back to God the honor and gratitude that rightfully belong to Him. And in doing so, something beautiful happens:  our souls are refreshed, our witness is strengthened, and we are lovingly reminded that this world is not our true home.

Worship isn’t a performance or a mood—it’s a gift of thanks from us to God. A steady rhythm of remembering, rejoicing, and returning.

He is worthy of all we can offer—and so much more. And in giving God what He deserves, we often find what we’ve been missing all along:  deep, steady, lasting joy.

So whenever you heed the call to worship—on a Sunday morning, in a quiet moment at home, or just in the middle of your day—remember:  it isn’t about going through the motions. It’s not about whether the song is your favorite, or if you feel like it. It’s about stepping into something deeply true and incredibly right.

Matthew 5:13 - How Salty Are You?

Matthew 5:13

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?

It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

When Jesus declared, "You are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13), He wasn't asking us to go out into the world like Emeril Lagasse, shouting “Bam!” and adding flavor to everything—He was laying down a profound and meaningful guideline for how we’re meant to live as His followers.

So, what does it really mean to be the “salt of the earth,” and why does it matter so much?

First off, back in the time Matthew wrote his Gospel, salt was essential for preserving food. Before refrigeration, keeping food from spoiling, especially in hot climates, was crucial. Jesus used this image to emphasize our role in preserving the goodness and truth of God’s Kingdom in a world that can easily slip into moral decay. Paul echoes this idea in Romans 12:2, where he urges us “not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by renewing our minds.” By living out our faith, we help maintain the moral and spiritual integrity of society, preventing it from falling apart.

But Jesus didn’t stop at preservation. Salt also enhances flavor. It makes food taste better, just as we’re called to bring out the best in the world around us. In Colossians 4:6, Paul advises us to let our conversations be “always full of grace, seasoned with salt,” so that we know how to respond to everyone. Our words and actions should add a touch of grace, kindness, and love, making life richer and more meaningful for those around us. We’re here to add a bit of compassion to a world that can often feel bland and bitter.

Salt also represents purity. James 1:27 calls us to keep ourselves “unstained from the world.” This doesn’t mean we have to be perfect, but it does mean striving to live with integrity and holiness. By maintaining purity in our hearts and actions, as Jesus encouraged in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:8), we set a godly example for others to follow. Our purity shines as a beacon of light in a world that can sometimes be dark.

Lastly, in ancient times, salt symbolized covenant loyalty. In Numbers 18:19, salt is mentioned in the context of the “covenant of salt” between God and His people, representing a lasting and enduring agreement. As the salt of the earth, we’re called to be steadfast in our commitment to God and the mission He has given us. This isn’t just a temporary task but a lifelong calling to be faithful witnesses of His love and truth. Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,” knowing that our efforts are never in vain.

However, Jesus also warns us about the dangers of losing our “saltiness.” In the same verse, He says, "It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." This is a serious reminder that if we, as His followers, lose our distinctiveness—if we stop living according to His teachings and values—we risk becoming ineffective in our mission.

In the ancient world, salt that had become diluted or contaminated with impurities lost its value and its effectiveness. Similarly, if we fail to live out our faith and values, we can’t fulfill the role Jesus has called us to. In this sense, our witness and influence become "useless," like flavorless salt. The phrase "thrown out and trampled underfoot" carries a sense of judgment or consequence. Just as useless salt is discarded, so too might we be if we fail to live out our calling effectively, risking irrelevance or rejection by those around us.

In essence, Jesus is urging us to maintain our distinctiveness as His disciples—preserving our "saltiness" by living in accordance with His teachings. It’s a serious responsibility, but also a joyful one. We have the opportunity to make a real difference simply by living out the values Jesus taught. Let’s embrace our role with enthusiasm and purpose, sprinkling a bit of that divine salt wherever we go—preserving goodness, enhancing life, and reflecting the purity and loyalty of our covenant with God.