Worship Throughout the Week
by Ken Harvey
What does true worship look like? How do you know that you are worshiping God? If you were asked these questions, how would you respond? We need to periodically ask ourselves these questions to constantly check our motives and to make sure that we have a proper understanding of foundational truths.
When approaching our time of corporate worship, do not slip into the danger of thinking that worship takes place only when you are singing. Understand that worship, that is your spiritual service, is living a transformed and holy life (Romans 12:1-2; Psalms 51:17). Every obedient action and thought that is observed in faith and with joy is an act of praise to God. This thought elevates mundane tasks, whether at home or at work, to acts of worship (Colossians 3:17). On Sunday mornings in particular, we can additionally worship God through singing, corporate prayer, giving, fellowship and intently listening to the Word preached. All of these actions can be an act of worship if you (1) observe them with joyful obedience and (2) believe that they are acceptable only by grace and through faith in the work of Christ.
In fact, it is dangerous to think that worship takes place only on a Sunday morning. Worship on Sunday morning is an overflow of your worship throughout the week. “What we love most will determine what we genuinely worship” (Worship Matters, p. 25). We cannot expect our hearts to be pure and focused every Sunday if throughout the week we have actively pursued loving ourselves and loving the world. True worship simply will not take place. It is also crucial to worship throughout the week because singing devoid of a holy life is hypocrisy and offensive to God. Listen to one criticism the LORD gives in the Old Testament: “This people draw near with their mouth; and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me” (Is. 29.13a). While we are commanded to gather together (Hebrews 10:24-25), let us not think that attendance trumps obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). This week, do everything as an act of worship.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
What does true worship look like? How do you know that you are worshiping God? If you were asked these questions, how would you respond? We need to periodically ask ourselves these questions to constantly check our motives and to make sure that we have a proper understanding of foundational truths.
When approaching our time of corporate worship, do not slip into the danger of thinking that worship takes place only when you are singing. Understand that worship, that is your spiritual service, is living a transformed and holy life (Romans 12:1-2; Psalms 51:17). Every obedient action and thought that is observed in faith and with joy is an act of praise to God. This thought elevates mundane tasks, whether at home or at work, to acts of worship (Colossians 3:17). On Sunday mornings in particular, we can additionally worship God through singing, corporate prayer, giving, fellowship and intently listening to the Word preached. All of these actions can be an act of worship if you (1) observe them with joyful obedience and (2) believe that they are acceptable only by grace and through faith in the work of Christ.
In fact, it is dangerous to think that worship takes place only on a Sunday morning. Worship on Sunday morning is an overflow of your worship throughout the week. “What we love most will determine what we genuinely worship” (Worship Matters, p. 25). We cannot expect our hearts to be pure and focused every Sunday if throughout the week we have actively pursued loving ourselves and loving the world. True worship simply will not take place. It is also crucial to worship throughout the week because singing devoid of a holy life is hypocrisy and offensive to God. Listen to one criticism the LORD gives in the Old Testament: “This people draw near with their mouth; and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me” (Is. 29.13a). While we are commanded to gather together (Hebrews 10:24-25), let us not think that attendance trumps obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). This week, do everything as an act of worship.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
posted by F&P at 2:38 PM
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