Lifestyle of Worship

by Jalexus McClendon

Often times when the word “worship” is mentioned, we immediately think about singing to music in church with our hands lifted and our eyes closed. We think about an idea that is restricted to a Sunday Service in a building where the congregation is led by a choir, praise team, or at times even a single person. There are benefits of congregational gatherings and the singing of songs in that environment for sure. I personally especially love the expression of worship through music, but music was never meant to be the heart of worship.

I am reminded of the conversation that Jesus had with the woman at the well (John Ch 4). She was caught up and concerned with the location and choice of where to worship, being between Mt. Gerizim, where the Samaritan temple was located, and the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Jesus made it quite clear in the following response to her, that worship is not limited to a certain place but rather a posture of the heart:

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” – John 4:23-24 NIV

Offering our bodies as a living sacrifice means we do not live for our desires, our plans, our dreams, or even for ourselves. Being a sacrifice requires surrendering all to Jesus, knowing He died for us and then choosing to live for Him. Author Harold Sala said the following, “The problem with living sacrifices is that they keep trying to crawl off the altar.” Making the decision to accept the gift of salvation is the first step but it must be a daily decision to live it out. To be a living sacrifice requires a lifestyle of worship! Being a worshipper is not Sunday attire designed to put on and take off for that day alone. Being a worshipper is not limited to being in a group at a building. Being a worshipper of Jesus Christ should be our very being! The desire to live a life as an example of Christ’s love and life is a form of worship. Let us not separate the role of worshipper from our home life, work life, or social life. Instead, may it become our identity!

   “True worship is open to God, adoring God, waiting for God, and trusting God even in the dark “- N.T. Wright

           Worship as a lifestyle means it is our response in all situations and not just in the moments where things are going well. 2 Samuel 12: 16-23 gives the account of David’s response in a very difficult moment in his life:

“David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. 17 And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. 18 On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” 19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” 20 Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.”

“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.”- Psalm 29:2-

         It becomes easier to make worship our lifestyle when we get the revelation of what it means to worship. Worship according to Merriam Webster can be defined as the expression of reverence and adoration, or to regard with great respect, honor, and devotion. The Lord, our God is worthy of our worship because of who He is.  Worship is an act of our love for God.  Three things happen when we take the time out to adore Him, sing His praises, and magnify His name. First, we are reminding ourselves of His goodness. Secondly we are letting God know that we are fully aware that He is our powerful, loving, and all mighty Heavenly Father. Lastly, we also remind the enemy that we know to whom we belong and the reason why we have the victory over anything he may try to attack us with.

  I truly believe that if the Body of Christ were really taught how to genuinely worship, it would revolutionize the Church! Noah worshiped God, and as a result a brand-new creation was born. (Genesis 6:9,18; 8:16–9:3) Abraham built an altar and worshiped the Lord and, again, a whole nation resulted. (Genesis 12:7) Moses worshiped the Lord, and because of his obedience, God freed an entire people from the bondage of slavery. ([Exodus 34:1–8].

There is so much power to be released when we worship and there is also intimacy with God developed in those special moments. Rather you worship through song, prayer, thanksgiving,  testifying, serving others, giving, or worship through the life you live and how you walk in obedience, choose to express your love for God in a way that is unique to you. Make it personal and make it your lifestyle to be a worshipper!

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