When I started studying the book of Malachi at a women’s Bible study, my understanding of “worship” went to a whole new level. Worship is based on who I am in Christ, what I do on a day to day basis, a lifestyle.
After one session, a precious lady asked to describe worship because they did not have a Spanish word for the description presented in the video. I gave the pat answer, “It’s a lifestyle. I hate laundry but worship is saying ‘Thank you Lord that I have laundry to do.’ instead of complaining.”
In the first chapter of Malachi, God confronted the Israelites with the fact that their sacrifices were defective and therefore unacceptable to Him. They were also told two chapters later that they were robbing God by not bringing the tithe. Seeing this caused me to be unsatisfied with my response.
The next morning I prayed, “Father, what does a life of worship look like? I don’t see how their sacrifices relate to me in the here and now.” Immediately Romans chapter twelve came to mind. It says:
“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 1984)
When I compared my life to the Israelites sacrifices I cringed. My life can be just as defective. When I don’t give God my best whether in doing my household chores, parenting, in ministry and even with time management everything becomes unacceptable. And if it’s not acceptable to Him, it should not be acceptable to me.
There is a need to be careful, it does not mean He won’t accept me. He will always accept me for who I am because I am His child. But it’s similar to a parent who loves their child. The love is unconditional but if the child is not doing their best whether it be grades or chores it’s unacceptable to the parent and changes need to be made.
After I made this connection the question became, what is to be done to make changes? I believe the next verse gives the answer:
“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
It’s a matter of priorities. Change comes “by the renewing of your mind.” When I’m reading the Bible my perspective changes. The need to do everything God’s way becomes the priority. I find activities are dropped in order to put God’s priorities and desires ahead of mine. The chores and ministry duties are done with my whole heart. I give it my all,because I am doing it for Him. This is my spiritual act of worship.
How about you? Do you find the temptation to do the everyday things with minimal whatever you do effort or to do them because you have to? Have you lost the joy in ministry?
Perhaps you have lost some perspective on why you do them. Start with renewing your mind by reading His word. Ask Him to direct you on how He wants you to spend the day.
The way you live your life is your living sacrifice, your spiritual act of worship.
“And, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, Giving tanks to God The Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17 (NIV 1984)
Solitude with the Father 
These are the words for me today: Start with renewing your mind by reading His word. Thanks for writing them.
Bonnie,I am so glad the words encouraged you. It’s definitely something I struggle with, especially in between Bible studies. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. May God bless through His word today and everyday.