Worshiping God

What is worship?  According to Merriam-Webster, worship is defined as "to honor or reverence as a a divine being or supernatural power"and follows up by adding that worship is "to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion."

People have been worshiping God ever since Creation.  As history progressed, the act of worship became so removed from its original intent that we are told that "Jesus had come to teach the meaning of the worship of God" (DA 84.2).  The very nation that had been given the prophecies concerning His coming were completely unprepared and oblivious to the birth of their Creator and Redeemer.

So how do we worship God now?  Paul says, in Romans 12 : 1, "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" (NIV).  At the same time, the psalmist says, "You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings" (Psalm 51 : 16, NIV).  Clearly Paul is not talking about literally sacrificing ourselves as burnt offerings.

If we continue reading in Romans 12, the picture becomes clearer.  "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing, and perfect will" (Verse 2, NIV).  Our living sacrifice is living our lives in such a way as to honor God in everything that we do.  "You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden...In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5 : 14, 16, NIV).

In 1 Corinthians 10 : 31-33, Paul reminds us that "...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God -- even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved" (NIV).  No matter what we do, we should do it to God's honor and glory.  We should constantly be considering how our actions may affect someone else's salvation.  As Christians, our ultimate act of worship is honoring God so that others will be drawn to Him.

Reflect God's love to others.  Get to know Jesus intimately, but don't stop there.  Share Him with those around you.  "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4 : 24, NIV).  Follow God, both internally and on the outside.  Become on fire for Christ and spread the Good News of the Gospel to the whole world!