Then the angel said to me, “Write the following: Blessed are those who are invited to the banquet at the wedding celebration of the Lamb!” He also said to me, “These are the true words of God.” So I threw myself down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “Do not do this! I am only a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony about Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony about Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:9-10
New English Translation
In Revelation 19, John encounters a servant of God, an angel. In awe of the magnificence of the angel, John bows down and worships the angel. But, the angel responds that John should worship God alone, not the messenger of God.
There have been numerous times that I’ve encountered individuals who overemphasize the importance of God’s creation. There have been people who veered into worshipping what God designed rather than worshipping God Himself. However, as the angel pointed out to John, we’re only supposed to worship God!
I think it can be easy for us to fall into worshipping the amazing things of God rather than God Himself because often, in those circumstances, those were what we were able to see, hear, and touch. Yet, despite being able to use our senses to encounter those things, they’re not actually doing anything for us or giving us any reason to adore them outside of God.
You see, God was the one who made them awe-inspiring. God is the one who put them where we could interact with them. In the case of angels, He designed and sent the messenger so He could communicate with us. So, why do we give credit to the tool rather than the one using the tool?
Have you ever had that experience where someone else got credit for what you did? Doesn’t feel too great, does it? Exactly. Imagine how God feels when we so often lose sight of His might and power and begin to worship things that cannot even compare to who He is.
So, yes, we can acknowledge that God uses angels. That is good, true, and right. However, we cannot give them the attention and glory that God should be given. Don’t pray to angels. Pray to God. Don’t credit angels with the good that happens in your life. Credit God. Whatever it is that grabs your attention rather than God should be re-evaluated and put back into place. Remember, the one who creates is far superior to that which He created.
Here’s my question to you: Are you worshipping God’s creation rather than worshipping Him? If so, now is the perfect time to take a step back and let God speak into your life. Allow Him to show you how to re-center around Him and to restore a right perspective on the things He has designed. The only one who will ever deserve praise is God. Remember, always keep Him in the place of glory in your life.