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 Augustine of Hippo famously argued that the root of sin is disordered love—loving lesser things more than we love God. Worship corrects this by realigning our affections so that God is at the center. The first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3), is not merely a prohibition but an invitation to place God in His rightful place in our hearts.

Regular worship fosters love for God and, in turn, love for others. Jesus emphasized this connection when He said the greatest commandment is to love God and the second is like it: to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). True worship produces a life that reflects God’s love, mercy, and justice.

Worship not only informs us but also transforms us by shaping our moral compass. In Romans 12:1-2, Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice, which is their "spiritual worship," and to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Worship changes our perspective, helping us discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect in God’s sight.

This moral formation occurs through repeated exposure to God’s Word, communal confession, and participation in the sacraments, all of which teach us to live according to God’s righteousness rather than the world’s standards.


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