When the word worship is mentioned you probably begin to think about your favorite hymn or Christian worship song you sing in church. While Michael W. Smith, Hillsong, Planet Shakers and a host of other artist are talented in using songs as a way to worship our God, many people begin to believe that singing is the only form of worship. This is far from the worship that Paul was speaking about in Romans 12:1 when he says:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- This is your spiritual act of worship.”
What Paul was really saying is that worship is not only the song you sing but the life you live. Everything you do expresses you in worship. Some of us do great with worship with song, but what about the rest of the time? How are we doing in that? Over this series we want to unpack what Paul is talking about and dive into the subject of worship. Come along with us as we learn more about worshiping our amazing Father in Heaven.
Probably the best way to understand worship is for us to understand more of the reason why we were created. There are many people who believe they are here for different reasons, but we have been placed here for a specific reason and that is to serve and worship our God. Sometimes we casually toss this to the side, but our God desires for us to worship him wholeheartedly. By God’s design we are all created differently and as parts of the body of Christ. With that in mind we all connect in different ways to our God.
Worship happens when we have an intimate connection with our Heavenly Father. It requires a heart interaction as opposed to a head interaction. Our attention is focused on Him, and we end up feeling much closer to God in times of worship. Some people can’t fully engage in a worship song, but the way they worship is through acts of service or quiet times. The fact is that we as Christians tend to find it strange when someone isn’t engaged in worship on a Sunday morning, but that’s the beauty of the way God made us all unique.
When we look in Romans, Paul says “Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices…” He presents a paradox for us, because traditionally in Biblical times you would sacrifice animals as atonement for your sin. What most people don’t do is look at the context of this verse to understand that the idea of being a living sacrifice isn’t a paradox at all.
The word therefore means that we have to look at what was said in the past verses. Paul has been writing about how God has sent His Son to save all of us through His mercy. In response we should offer ourselves as living sacrifices, because His Son was the ultimate living sacrifice.
We know worship is having a connection with our Father. When we think about it there is no way to obtain that status without the blood of Jesus Christ, but even that is not enough. Paul goes on to say in Romans 12:2 that we:
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
We can not stay stagnate if we are to truly worship our God. If we are connected to the Father we will want to change. Paul is communicating to us that we can not just show up in church every Sunday, sing a few songs and call that worship! We must change something within us, because if not we aren’t really worshiping our Father. Our change starts on the inside deep in our soul and overflows to our outward appearance. Worship becomes a process, not a moment.
If you wonder how you are worshiping God look at how you act in day to day life. Are you truly allowing a transformation to take place and renew your mind, or are you just worshiping without the heart. Paul was passionate about followers grasping this concept. In this series we want to unpack what it really means to worship our Father who has poured out His mercy on us. Take this week and do a self inventory of how you are really worshiping our God and begin to see where you need to undergo a transformation.
Dive Deep,
KC
As you read this ask yourself how to apply this to where you are today. Are you a mom, student, teacher, engineer…you get the picture…..who has God put in your path that will actively give you an opportunity to reflect His glory and your worship. How as you teach, study or in some cases bag groceries and deliver pizza….do you obey and give Him you all…be the task mundane or challenging…obey in a whole hearted way.
This is not an esoteric idea..it is an activating….stimulating and challenging concept.
How and in what ways are you moving forward in your walk with God….not just in personal study..though that is essential….but in obedience to where God has you now. In all you do use all of the gifts God has given and worship Him in spirit and truth.