Even though there is nothing wrong with Christian rituals such as communion, baptism, testifying, singing, and worship, we still must be careful not to let them become a form without meaning. The Pharisees were condemned for swearing to gold, offerings, and the Temple, because it was an empty form of promising without recognizing that God heard each vow.
Amos declares to Israel that God hates, and rejects the religious feasts, assemblies,and offerings, because your offerings and assemblies have lost their meaning. Their worship, offerings, and fellowship did not include righteousness, justice, or truth. It had become a facade to appease God and still live in sin, luxury, and lies. God wants faithfulness, obedience, mercy, love, and justice.
The church today is being tempted to compromise with sin and allow homosexuality, adultery, fornication, unjust fund-raising methods, and easy divorce.
Will the church bow down to these idols and compromise? Don't bother taking communion, worshiping, baptizing, unless you are obedient to the commands of Christ .
As Christians we need to examine our priorities. If we tithe but fail to have justice, mercy, and love we are straining at a gnat and swallowing the camel.
