A Life Of Worship!

Image credit: A Life Of Worship! 

There is often a misconception about this topic. We should understand that Worship is not just restricted to the songs we sing on Sundays or our prayers in times of need. 

But worship is a lifestyle of a true believer; it is a continuous attitude of the heart that consistently acknowledges the greatness, goodness, and sovereignty of God in every aspect of life. 

When we talk about a life of worship it relates to offering ourselves entirely to God, not just in our religious activities, but in our thoughts, actions, and relationships.

In the scripture text (Romans 12:1-2), here Apostle Paul urges every believer to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This outlook on sacrifice is a powerful one.

In the Old Testament we found that sacrifices were offered as atonement for sins and to demonstrate devotion to God. But in the New Testament, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, offering Himself once and for all. 

Therefore, as followers of Christ, we are called to respond to His sacrifice by offering our lives too to God as living sacrifice by continually surrendering ourselves to God's will. 

The Bible says,   "Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." - Romans 1:24-25 

Now, the question some people will ask is, what does it mean to offer our bodies as living sacrifices? 

When we look at the scriptural context we find that it is concerned with our surrendering every of our actions, and plans to God's purpose. 

We can also say it means to allow God to reign supreme in all areas of our lives- youth work, relationships, finances, and leisure. It is an alignment of your will with God's ultimate will for your life while remaining obedient to His commands. 

This Bible verse below, reminds us of what God seeks most, according to Jesus, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33 (KJV) 

 However, Paul didn't end it there, he went on to teach about the transformation that comes from the renewing of one's mind. 

So, essentially you have seen that worship is not basically about our outward activities or rituals;  Instead, it begins with a renewed mindset. 

This is to say, that as we immerse ourselves in God's Word, while we pray without ceasing, and fellowship with other believers, our minds are renewed, and our perspective shifts from worldly to heavenly. 

The transformation of the Mind, enables us to discern God's will and walk in obedience to Him. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2 

In living a life of worship it requires that you become intentional about it, with perseverance. It also means you decide to choose God's ways over those of the world, even when it is difficult or unpopular. 

This is when we truly seek our maker because we desire to glorify Him in all that we do, either big or small.

Beloved! As you meditate on today's. Text (Romans 12:1-2), you should ask yourself these questions:

 1. Am I offering my entire self to God as an act of my worship of Him? 

2. Would I allow  His Word to transform my mind and conform me to the image of His Son? 

Finally, as  God's offspring, we must strive to live our lives in honour and glory of his name, in all that we do. Believing that true and proper worship is not confined just to a place or time but encompasses our entire being.

PRAYER KEY POINTS

Father, IJN: Thank you for showing me how to live, and what you want me to think and live for.

Father, IJN: Thank you for your gracious and eternal Word that illuminates my soul and spirit, and grants deeper evaluation for greater light and life of impact.

Father, IJN: I ask that you baptize me with your spirit, so I can live and worship you in truth and spirit. 

COMMIT TO MEMORY

 "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;" - Romans 1:28 (KJV) 

FURTHER READING

Psalms 63:1-8, Luke 4:5-8, John 4:20-24, 

ASSIGNMENT

The Apostle Paul in Galatians 2:20, tells us that he has been crucified with Christ, and therefore has no life of his own, but his life in the flesh is by faith in Christ that live in him. 

This is our life too, for we have all died in Christ and the flesh has lost its hold on us, so we are now able to worship God acceptably. 

But you must die daily for this life to remain anew and effective. Remind yourself every morning that you have died.