“ Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship”
Romans 12:1
Worship is more than a moment. It’s more than singing songs and gathering together with a group of believers on a Sunday morning. Worship is a lifestyle. What we do with our lives matters to God. What we do with our bodies matters to God. Who we hang around matters to God. What we say matters to God.
The Hebrew word for worship is "shachah", which means to bow down. Another definition says worship means to say the same thing or to agree with. In other words, living a life of worship means to surrender to God’s will and come into agreement with who He says He is and who He says we are.
Ephesians 5: 1 says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children”. Imitate means to follow as a model or to copy. As children of God, we are called to copy everything Jesus did. All throughout scripture, we see Jesus living a life that was holy and pleasing to God.
In our passage, the Apostle Paul is urging us to do this. We were created to live for God alone. We were created to glorify God in everything we do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, live your life in a way that glorifies and honors God.”
When we willingly offer our lives as a sacrifice for God we unlock the door to deeper intimacy with the Father and a transformed life that has an eternal impact on the world.
It was Jesus’ priority to do the will of His Father (John 5:19). Therefore, it should be our priority to offer our whole being as a living sacrifice. This means our physical bodies, our spirit and our soul, which is our mind, will and emotions should be sacrificed for the sake of Christ.
- True Worship is taking my everyday responsibilities and using them to glorify Him.
- True worship is denying your flesh and taking up your cross.
- True worship is saying not my will but His will be done.
- True worship is abiding in God’s word.
- True worship is obeying God even when you don’t want to.
- True worship is serving and sacrificing only for Jesus Christ.
- True worship is loving God with your whole heart, mind, soul and strength.
Glorify God by the way you live and with your giftings. You were created to live a life of worship because of who your Heavenly Father is. Let your life be a sweet aroma to the Most High.
Prayer:
Dear God, I want to live as a living sacrifice. I want my life and habits to be in agreement with You and Your word. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit that empowers me to live a life that is holy and pleasing to You. Reveal to me what habits hinders my worship. Help me to see my everyday tasks as a way of worship to You. Help me to surrender my lifestyle to you, and to trust that You are sovereign. Help me to live a worshipful life, and to follow in your footsteps. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
