worship

(originally posted 8/6)

Many, including myself, have thought (still think) this was simply what we did on Sunday mornings, a “worship service”. Moreso, it has become, in many churches, the word for our music portion of the service. But it is so much more! Webster’s defines sacrifice as “an act of offering to a deity something precious”, “surrender of something for the sake of something”, “something given up or lost”. The apostle Paul writes “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”(Romans 12:1).  To “offer your body as a living sacrifice” is to surrender your body, to give up your self, for God. God does not ask us to lie down on the altar, but to offer our lives “holy and pleasing” to be utilized by Him. This is such an awesome statement... revolutionary in the realm of history. During the early Christian era, animal sacrifice was still a regular part of Greek & Roman society, in fact, a regular part of our Gentile & Jewish heritage. But Christ came and offered himself as a human sacrifice to end all sacrifices (a whole other amazing topic by itself). To this point, sacrifice related to physical death... but now Paul takes a turn to say, we are to offer our selves as a "living sacrifice"... essentially God is not asking us to die for him, but to LIVE for him. Sure, worship is still music and sermons and giving money... but it is also every aspect of your life! The other day I was listening to a Louie Giglio cd, where he commented on how great of worshipers we were! But this was not a compliment... every day, whether we realize it or not, we worship money, TV, cars, physical appearances, lifestyles, etc. We have to stop worshiping these worldly things and turn our nonstop worship to THE eternal thing... God.  Another brief quote to keep in your mind throughout the week; "worship is a lifestyle, what are you worshiping?" (sorry, no idea who said that). Remember that quote as you drive, work, eat, talk with your friends, or spending time at home with your family... at any given moment in your day, ask yourself what you worshiping right now?

 

Well, I'm blogged... better grab some lunch.

yours in Christ,

Mitch    

Comments

[jc]

I agree Mitch. We have greatly distorted our perception of what worship is as a culture. I like to say worship comes from an overflow of love and whatever that love is directed towards in our lives will be evident in all of our actions. I am not sure how a 20 minute time of singing on Sunday became the definition of worship in the American church.

[jc]

I am also not sure what kind of purple devil picture that is next to my comment. Did not come from me. Glad I could make the first and second comment on the blog though.

[mitch]

ha ha... I remember choosing a little caracature that shows up next to the posts, but I didn't realize it was a little devil. I'll see if I can change your image before it affects your salvation. (ha ha)