Your Spiritual Act of Worship

What does it mean to worship God? There are so many different styles of worship. Today’s churches offer a multitude of options for types of worship service, music, times of meeting, and social opportunities. Which one is right?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 NIV

So true worship comes from my submission—from my willingness to follow God’s commands. I can do that anytime and anywhere. Do I still need to go to church?

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 NIV

So not only am I to meet with other believers regularly for corporate worship activities, but I am to also encourage others. Worshipping with others can intensify the worship experience as we seek to know God better, but what I like about this verse is that it tells us when we meet together, we are to encourage one another. Who did you encourage last Sunday? Who will you encourage this Sunday? Are you willing to make it a goal to encourage at least one person each time you attend a church worship service or church social activity? Reflect on this question. Is encouraging more rewarding than standing around griping or gossiping? Instead of tearing down, let’s build up.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

So when I worship God, whether during my daily quiet time or in a church worship service, I am not to be concerned about social customs. I am to seek to understand and implement God's commands. As I do this, I will gain a more intimate knowledge of God. But won’t people think I am a bit strange?

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him...The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15, 17 NIV

So what is more important to me—what others think or a close relationship with God our Lord and Savior?

Lord, draw me to you. Give me the knowledge to know what your will is in every situation in which you place me. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may I always bring you glory.