Primary Text: John 3:30
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Last Sunday, I observed something that made me pause and reflect. Before and after the church service, many people were taking selfies. Some were recording themselves. Some were carefully posing for photographs.
Then I began to ask myself: When did worship become about us?
Please don’t misunderstand me. This is not a sermon against photography. It is not a sermon against dressing well. It is not even a sermon against makeup.
The real question is much deeper. When I come before God, who occupies the centre of my attention? Is it Christ…Or is it me?
Worship Is God-Centred.
The very purpose of worship is to direct attention to God. Jesus taught us: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.” (Matthew 4:10)
Notice…The focus is not the worshipper. The focus is the One being worshipped. Whenever worship begins to draw attention primarily to ourselves, we should honestly examine our hearts.
The Danger of Turning Worship into a Performance
Jesus warned against doing spiritual acts “to be seen by others. “Whether it was giving, praying, or fasting, His concern was the motive.The question was never merely: “What are you doing? “The question was:”Why are you doing it?” The same question applies today. Am I recording this worship because I genuinely want to encourage others…Or because I want others to admire me?Only God truly knows the answer.
God Looks Beyond Appearances.
Scripture never condemns cleanliness, beauty, or dressing appropriately. In fact, presenting ourselves respectfully can be an expression of honor.
But God reminds us in 1 Samuel 16:7: “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
The finest clothes cannot impress God.The most expensive makeup cannot move Him.The most beautiful voice cannot replace a surrendered heart. God is looking for worshippers whose hearts belong to Him.
Worship Is Not Self-Promotion
We live in a culture where almost every moment is photographed. Every event is documented. Every experience is shared.
That culture can quietly influence the church. Without realizing it, we begin asking: “Did people notice me?” Instead of asking: “Was Christ glorified?”
The Christian should constantly resist the temptation to make himself or herself the centre of attention.
John the Baptist Shows Us the Right Spirit
When John’s followers became concerned that people were leaving him to follow Jesus, John replied: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
What remarkable words. John found joy not in attracting attention to himself, but in directing attention to Christ. That should also be the heart of every believer.
Practical Christian Response
Before posting, recording, or taking a photograph connected with worship, ask yourself: Why am I doing this?
Does this point people toward Christ or toward me?
Would I still worship with the same passion if no one ever saw me?
Am I seeking God’s approval or people’s admiration?
Is my heart humble before the Lord?
These questions are not meant to create guilt, but to help us examine our motives honestly.
Reflection
The greatest act of worship is not a photograph. It is not a beautiful outfit. It is not a perfect voice. It is not an emotional expression.
The greatest act of worship is a heart completely surrendered to God.
When Isaiah saw the Lord, he was overwhelmed by God’s holiness, not by his own appearance. When John saw the risen Christ, he fell at His feet.
True worship causes us to become less conscious of ourselves and more conscious of God.
Closing Thought
There is nothing wrong with remembering a joyful day in church.
There is nothing wrong with looking your best before the Lord.
But let us never confuse preparing ourselves for worship with making ourselves the focus of worship.
When the service ends, people may remember your clothes.They may remember your smile.They may remember your photograph. But the greater question is this: Did anyone leave seeing more of Christ because of your life?
Because in the end…Brethren, it’s not about you. It’s about Him.
And the more He increases in our hearts, the more our worship becomes what it was always meant to be—a joyful, humble offering to the glory of God.