What would you think if I told you that worship goes beyond just a Sunday morning service? I mean yes, worship does occur during Sunday morning services at church, and even during the mid-week devotional groups…. but it certainly does not stop there! Worship is never-ending; it is a lifestyle!
Clearing Things Up from the Start
Let’s make one thing clear: everyone is a worshipper. Christians, Atheists, Buddhists…we may not all worship the same God, but we definitely all worship something or someone. Check out what Mark Driscoll has to say about mankind in his book, Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe:
“We are continually giving ourselves away or pouring ourselves out for a person, cause, experience, achievement, or status. Sadly, as the doctrine of the fall reveals, much of how we pour ourselves out and what we pour ourselves into in worship is someone or something other than the Trinitarian Creator God.”
Mankind is a being of continuous worshippers. Worship is the essence of not only what we do but also who we are. Biblical worship comes from an understanding of Who God is and what He has done. It is a response to God’s glory and His gracious blessings in our lives. What makes worship amazing is the object of our worship. The question is: what are you worshipping?
Idolatry
Idolatry is distorted worship - simple as that. When man begins to fall off the tracks of seeking God and His glory, idolatry begins to sink in. Idolatry is a blind or excessive devotion to someone or something. Modern day examples of idols include: money, jobs, cell phones, friends, spouses, and the list goes on. Idols are the things that you chase after because they offer a sense of fulfillment in your life. However, nothing can bring fulfillment like God can. Everything we seek and lift up above God will eventually fail to bring us joy and happiness. When our lives begin to reflect worldly things above God, red lights should start going off (Exodus 20:2-3, Matthew 4:10).
So how does worship play into our lives?
When God created mankind, He created us in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). God is glorious in all His ways; therefore, being image-bearers of God, worship should be the act of reflecting God’s glory back to Him. Worship means: to glorify and honor God with all the things that we do (1 Corinthians 10:31).
So how do we worship?
Worship is what being a Christian is all about, and it starts with a relationship. I think we all can agree that relationships are everything, especially in today’s culture. One thing God desires most from us is a relationship. When we actually take the time to seek after Christ, we are investing in a growing relationship with God. In fact, Jesus stated in John 14:6 that He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. A relationship with Christ is crucial. From this relationship, God reveals His heart – His love for His children. Our focus should be on growing in our relationship with Christ and loving the Lord our God with every inch of our being. If we truly love God, our lives will reflect it. Practically speaking, a relationship with Christ equals natural praise and worship in our lives.
Challenge: Take a long, hard look at your life. What are you truly worshipping? What are your idols? Are you truly honoring and glorifying God in everything that you do? It might be time for a wake up call in your life.
Thanks for reading, to God be the glory!
David Conley
Recommended Track of the Week: “Live Like That” by Sidewalk Prophets