“We are, every one of us, unceasing worshipers and will remain so forever, for eternity is an infinite extrapolation of one of two conditions: a surrender to the sinfulness of sin unto infinite loss or the commitment of personal righteousness unto infinite gain. This is the central fact of our existence, and it drives every other fact.” (Harold Best, Unceasing Worship)
When it comes to the subject of worship, there are many ways in which to begin the conversation. But, let’s start with a question: Whom or what will you worship?
Worship is not something we choose to do. We are always worshipping. Just as God continually pours Himself out to and for us, and just as we are created in His image, so are we continuous outpourers (Harold Best, Unceasing Worship). Thus, the question is not, “Will we worship?” Rather, it is “Who or what will we worship?”
"Whom or what will you worship?"
I recently listened to a group of business owners discussing questions they like to use when interviewing prospective employees. One that caught my attention was this: What is the first thing you think about when you get up in the morning and what is the last thing you think about before going to sleep? If you think about it, answering this question honestly “tells on” our heart’s condition.
For example, my to-do list is often running through my mind as I wander off to sleep at night. Inevitably, when this happens, it is also the first thing scrolling through my brain when I wake. It is in these moments the Holy Spirit gently reminds me that I am focusing on – worshipping – the wrong thing. I am placing value on completing a list – one in which I control the contents. I have become my own god, or idol, in this moment and have sacrificed to it my time and relationship with God. Busy-ness has become my “functional god”.
"What is the first thing you think about when you get up in the morning and what is the last thing you think about before going to sleep?"
You may think this is an extreme example, but I challenge you to observe how what you focus on dictates your life – your mood, your thoughts, your behavior, your choices (and the list goes on). Many of us can quote the scripture, “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” for your life (Romans 12:2 KJV). Renewing our minds requires a focus on Jesus. As we focus on (worship) Jesus, we are inevitably transformed. When we are transformed, we realize what His will has been and will always be for us. We sit for hours and have countless discussions about the will of God for our life. But the simple truth is this: His will for your life is that Jesus be the one you worship.
When we choose to make Jesus the one we worship, we are inviting Him to be present in our daily lives. What does it mean for Jesus to be present in our lives? It means He is leading us, advising us in our daily decisions, giving us words to say, calming our minds and hearts when chaos appears. We demonstrate His presence through thankfulness, the fruit of the Spirit, wisdom, and obedience to His word; by preaching the gospel and making disciples.
"When we choose to make Jesus the one we worship, we are inviting Him to be present in our daily lives."
Worshipping Jesus is the key to the fullness of God (everything He is and has); to living a life that is good and acceptable and perfect. Worshipping Jesus is our lifeline.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." –Romans 12:1
- Christie Wilson