Living Sacrifices To The Lord
Worship. In the modern church, worship can be a polarizing subject. Engendering passions on matters ranging from the type of music and instruments used in services to disagreements pertaining to order of service, song choices, etc.;
Those discussions, which are oftentimes trivial, can be fruitful. Bringing forth our passion for God in all things we do is, or should be, how we serve Him. With an immense sense of gratitude, pureness of heart, passion, honor and excellence.
Scripture tells us in Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV):
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (emphasis mine)
The apostle Paul reminds us that no matter what position, title or job we hold, whether the CEO of a fortune 500 company or a parking valet, general laborer or lawyer, God is ultimately the judge of all that we do. Our service then is His, and should be done unto Him accordingly. Not so we ourselves receive glory, but to glorify God, creator of all things.
So then as Christians, in all aspects of our lives we should seek to glorify God.
Now as imperfect people, we know that occasionally we fall short of this. We are sinful human beings saved by the grace of God through faith in Jesus.
Thank God for the grace He provides us!
Instead of death, He has given us life and purpose in Christ. He has forgiven our sins and shared with us the riches of His glory. We deserve none of that.
What then should be our proper response to His mercy and grace and love?
In his letter to the Romans Paul writes:
“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 (ESV) (emphasis mine)
The NASB translation reads:
“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” – Romans 12:1 (NASB) (emphasis mine)
Our spiritual service of worship then is to present ourselves as living sacrifices.
God has already set us apart for His purposes and declared us acceptable because He sees us in our position in Christ. We offer our bodies and lives to Him. As people in Christ, He will receive the sacrifice of our everyday lives right now.
This service of worship is the appropriate response to the mercy God has given us. It is much more than something reserved for Sunday mornings and mid-week services. Worship of God should mark the whole of our Christian life.
Knowing who God is, and what He has done, should inspire those who love Him to respond with enthusiastic praise.
We as children of the Lord most high, can live joyfully and work heartily. Always mindful to give Him all of our thanks and praise. We rejoice because His gracious love and faithfulness endure forever and to all generations. Amen.
A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His;
We are His people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise!
Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the LORD is good;
His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.
– Psalm 100 (ESV)
-Jorge Velez
Worship Director @ Living Faith