When I hear the word worship, I immediately get a mental picture of someone in church singing songs about God or lifting their hands in praise. But recently I have been working on expanding my understanding of the word in light of the scriptures; worship is how our lives reflect the one who created us.
I was fascinated by watching people wait in line at Apple stores to purchase the iPhone 5. Apple products reflect well on their developers; they are well designed and give honor to those who made them. Every time they work and perform a function successfully, the credit goes back to the late Steve Jobs. That is the essence of how I see our lives as worshipful beings in our relationship with God. We have an opportunity each day to reflect well on our creator by the actions that we take. If my worship is confined to a particular place or space, it limits my opportunity to honor God with my whole life. The following scriptures are just two examples that serve as a reminder of how I can stay focused on worship every day.
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and Father.” (Colossians 3:17)
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)
It is not always easy to remember that my ordinary life is better if I think of it as a pleasing sacrifice to God. I could be more mindful of this when interacting with my daughters after a long day of work. I may be tired, but they still deserve my best. When I reconnect with my husband after a busy day, I can give him my full attention. When I am caring for my mom, I can make sure that I am patient and kind. These are the at-home tasks that I am charged with each day. How I go about them speaks volumes about the God in me, as well as my life as an offering to him. A quiet whisper of a prayer is necessary when my body and my mind are not in agreement. Therein lies the sacrifice. When I know the right thing to do and I don’t feel like doing it, I have to adjust my thinking so that my actions are a true reflection of worship.
My prayer point is for each of us to try expanding our concept of worship. We are God’s product, created in his image. He has given us all that we need to honor him. Pray to keep God’s merciful ways in view as Romans 12:1 indicates. Just as Apple has products that reflect well on them, we can reflect well on our God with the right attitude and actions. Pray and ask God how you can be a living sacrifice so that whatever you do in word or deed, you reflect well on him.
God bless you!
