I have observed that most believers have a narrow view of what worship means as a whole and are rather focused on just an aspect – songs! Ask the average believer about worship and the first thing that comes to mind is singing songs in church, but worship is deeper than this one expression. Yes, singing is just one way we express ourselves in the worship of God. When we say someone is an idol worshipper or that someone worships money, we definitely don’t mean they sing to money or their idols necessarily.
We are simply saying they live for their idols and money. They serve those things and will do anything for them. This is the same way to view the worship of God. It means we live for God, whether in church gatherings or when we are in the middle of our businesses, amongst our colleagues, friends, families and all. I like the way the Amplified version of the bible renders Romans 12:1 –
‘I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.’
It says the dedication of all of ourselves is our reasonable service and spiritual worship. Brilliantly captured! Your life is not separate from worship and this is why we are called living sacrifices. A sacrifice is laid down and this means our living is laid down for Him. Before you respond rudely to that person because you are outside church, remember worship hasn’t ended in church. You are a worshipper and you stand anywhere as God’s representative or ambassador – That’s the implication (2 Cor.5:20)! In the second part of this article, we’ll examine practical ways we worship God as believers.
Thanks for reading!
Adebowale Ibukun Tosin