However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,
Acts 24:14 NIV
While standing on trial before Felix, Paul made a bold and striking statement in Acts 24:14: “However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way…” That phrase—“I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way”—stirred something deeply within me. It reminded me that claiming to worship God is not the same as following Him in truth. True worship must align with the Way, which is Christ Himself.
Although the Jews in Paul’s day professed belief in God, they could not please Him. Why? Because they did not walk in the Way. They rejected the very Messiah whom the Law and the Prophets foretold.
We often assume that simply believing in God or attending church is enough. However, the Scriptures challenge this mindset. In James 2:19, we read: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
This verse reveals a sobering truth: even demons believe, yet their belief leads to fear, not transformation. Therefore, belief alone is not the full picture.
Meanwhile, what truly matters is: what we believe, how we believe it, and why we believe, to what end. Unless our faith leads us to follow Christ, our belief remains incomplete.
Many today claim to worship God, yet they dismiss the Way. They reject the message of Christ or treat it as an outdated idea. Just like Paul’s opponents, they reduce the Gospel to a mere sect, something unimportant or extreme. In doing so, they fail to see its eternal significance.
True worshippers must do more than observe traditions or repeat prayers. We must examine our hearts and ask: Am I worshipping as a follower of the Way, or am I simply going through religious motions? Paul’s words remind us that our worship should not merely express belief in God—it must flow from a life that walks with Jesus.
Throughout Scripture, God calls His people not only to believe but also to follow. That means our daily choices, attitudes, and values must align with Christ.
Therefore, true worship must go beyond appearances. It must connect belief with action. It must reflect Christ—the Way—in how we live. When we truly follow the Way, our lives testify to the power of the Gospel. We don’t just claim to worship—we live it out with consistency and truth.
This passage from Acts 24 stirred a deep conviction in me. I realised that we must give careful and intentional attention to how we worship. It’s not enough to claim devotion. We must worship God as followers of the Way, not just in name but in practice.
This means:
- Aligning our lifestyles with the teachings of Christ
- Letting the Holy Spirit lead and transform us
- Choosing daily to walk in obedience rather than tradition
Christ is not only the object of our worship—He is the Way through which we must worship. Without Him, all our efforts fall short.
Living It Out
Today, take time to reflect on your spiritual walk. Ask yourself:
- Am I following Christ as the Way, or am I walking in religious routine?
- Does my worship flow from truth and obedience, or from habit and culture?
Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where your worship needs realignment. When we worship as followers of the Way, our lives become living testimonies of God’s grace.