Why Are You Glad? — Cult, Culture, or Covenant
- John Young
- 56 minutes ago
- 2 min read
“Let Us Go Into the House of the Lord”
Why Are You Glad? — Cult, Culture, or Covenant
Text: Psalm 122:1
“…Let us go into the house of the Lord.”
Gladness Has a Reason
David says, “I was glad when they said unto me…”But now we focus on why he was glad.
Gladness doesn’t come out of nowhere.It always has a source.
Some people are glad because church fits their lifestyle.Some are glad because church fits their upbringing.But David was glad because worship fit his covenant with God.
So the question becomes: Why are you glad? Is it cult, culture, or covenant?
1. Cult: When Gladness Is Built on Control
Let’s be clear—cult is about control, not covenant.
In cult-like religion:
Attendance is demanded, not desired
Questions are discouraged
Fear replaces faith
Loyalty to people outweighs devotion to God
People show up not because they’re glad—but because they’re afraid of what happens if they don’t.
David wasn’t glad because he was threatened.He wasn’t pressured.He wasn’t coerced.
Psalm 122 is not the language of fear—it’s the language of freedom.
If your gladness disappears when control is removed,it was never covenant—it was coercion.
2. Culture: When Gladness Is Built on Habit
Culture says:
“This is just what we do.”
“This is how I was raised.”
“This is my church home.”
Culture isn’t bad—but culture alone won’t sustain faith.
Cultural gladness fades when:
Music changes
Leadership changes
Preferences are challenged
David wasn’t glad because worship was familiar—he was glad because God was faithful.
Culture may bring you in the door,but it takes covenant to keep you glad.
3. Covenant: When Gladness Is Built on Relationship
Covenant is different.
Covenant says:
“I’m here because God met me.”
“I’m here because He kept me.”
“I’m here because I owe Him my life.”
Covenant gladness doesn’t depend on:
Who’s singing
Who’s preaching
Who’s sitting near you
David had a relationship with God.He had history with God.He had promises from God.
That’s why he said, “Let us go…”
Covenant invites others because covenant knows what’s available in God’s presence.
“Let Us Go” Means Covenant Is Communal
Covenant is never selfish.
When you’ve truly encountered God,you don’t say “I’ll go alone.”You say, “Let us go.”
Covenant creates invitation.Covenant creates discipleship.Covenant creates responsibility for others.
You invite because you remember who you were before God found you.
Conclusion: Check the Source of Your Gladness
So again, the question: Why are you glad?
If it’s cult—fear will eventually exhaust you.If it’s culture—change will eventually offend you.But if it’s covenant—nothing can steal your joy.
David wasn’t glad because church was convenient.He was glad because God was there.
And covenant people don’t just go—they bring others with them.
Reflection
What happens to your gladness when things change?That may reveal whether you’re living by culture or covenant.
Invitation to Worship
This is your invitation—not just to attend worship, but to invite someone else into it.
Come expecting. Come open. Come ready to meet God. And bring somebody with you.
If this message has blessed, you, consider being a blessing.
Your genorosity is greatly appreciated.
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