My 17-year-old daughter Julie and a co-worker at a department store were meeting for lunch. He had some questions about life, and Julie was glad to talk to him about her faith. As they sat down with their tacos, Julie lifted her hands to thank the Gods for Their gift. When she was finished, her friend said, "I didn't join. Will your Gods kill me for that?"
His response reveals much about how people view Pagan Gods. Many think our Godward actions--ritual, singing, circle worship, and dancing--are done as safety devices to prevent the Gods from zapping us. When we think of Them that way, we will have wrong motives for any action directed towards the Gods. That kind of thinking leads us to ritual and worship the Gods for personal gain or approval.
Our worship of the Gods is not done so we can somehow benefit. Instead, every thought or action should be done out of honor for Them and Their greatness. Our hearts and voices should be filled with the kind of praise expressed by the HP of Isis - "Our rituals of thanksgiving are a sacrifice to Her - the one who is our Mother.
Sure, we benefit when we turn our attention to the Gods, but that should not be our motivation. It's not for us that we worship as Pagans. It should always be for Them.
Then let us adore and give Them Their right, All honor and power, all wisdom and might, All honor and blessing, with the spirits above, And thanks never-ceasing for Their infinite love.
By: Joseph Ateemo
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