Text- 1 Timothy 4:7 – “… Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness”
We have been on the topic of spiritual disciplines for some days now. I believe it has been a blessing to you. Thus far, we have discussed the definition, benefits, general principles, and few examples of spiritual disciplines. Let’s consider another example of spiritual disciplines today – WORSHIP.
Jesus said in John 4:23, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him” See how The Message Bible renders this portion of scripture:
“It is who you are and the way you live that counts before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration” – John 4:23-24 MSG
Jesus tells us clearly that God seeks for true worshipers. As such, our spiritual disciplines can never be complete if worship is not an integral part of our daily living.
Now, we must understand that worship is not an activity; it is a practice… It’s like a lifestyle. True worship is about glorifying God with our lives, it’s something that should happen everywhere, and at all times. True worship is what should ooze out of our lives 24 hours of the day!
Dharius Daniels says, “Worship is more than affection; it is the acknowledgment of God’s invaluable worth and a commitment to express that worth by placing him above all else. Worship reveals where our allegiances lie.”
Worship is evidenced in the principles that our lives subscribe to; in other words, how we live our lives daily. How we glorify God and exalt him above all else in our daily decisions, thoughts and actions.
True Worship encompasses such things as our use of words, the songs we sing, our priorities, our boundaries, how we spend our time, how we use our resources, our loyalty, our thoughts... in fact, every area of our lives!
Dearly beloved, we ought to completely and continuously give up our lives to God as an act of worship to Him as long as we live. This is a very important spiritual discipline that will cultivate spiritual development, promote our spiritual growth and keep us in tune with God.
PRAYER
Father, I commit myself to live a life of worship starting today. Grant me the grace to do so and help me to grow daily in my spiritual service of worship to you in Jesus Name.
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