“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. ” – Romans 12:1 (AMP)
Wisdom begins with basing our lives on reality. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Why? Because the fear of the Lord is based on a true understanding of who we really are and who God really is; but then, there is a next step which is that: wisdom doesn’t begin and end with fear; it continues into worship.
When we really understand Who God is, the natural response we have towards that is to offer Him whatever we can get our hands on – and all we have is ourselves.
All of those in the Bible who encountered God in His glory fell on their faces in worship. Like Isaiah, they offered themselves (Isaiah 6:8) and if we have not yet gotten to that point of laying ourselves on the altar before Him – without reservation – we have not yet encountered HIM. His glory prompts sacrifice. It is the only wise, intelligent and reasonable response to the magnitude of His goodness.
We often think of worship as words and songs that come out of our mouths but it is so much more. It is a lifestyle, a sacrificial way of living that acknowledges every moment of every day that there is One far more worthy of our allegiance than ourselves. When His interests consistently supersede ours, and we act accordingly, we are already worshiping.
Imagine yourself in the throne room of God. See the altar at His feet. Get on it. Lay yourself out before Him and say to Him: “I am Yours. Do with me as You will. I give up the right I have to govern myself, because You are far more worthy to do it, and You will never do me harm. I exist for Your purposes, and for Yours alone.” Do this every morning, then go out to live your day mindful of Whose you are. In the light of who He is, this is true worship, and true worship is the wisest thing we can do.
Reflections: What does true and heartfelt worship mean to me? Is it just about crying and weeping while singing worship songs or it goes beyond that into my attitude?
Confession: I am God’s own and I commit my life to Him always. I do not lose His purpose for my life and I worship Him with my whole being.
Related Scripture: Romans 12
Bible Reading: Genesis 41
