exalting God

Every action is an act of worship. A selfish act is self-worship where we’ve put ourselves over God and others. We sometimes idolize others or even stuff and these become our heart focus. Worship is what we set our hearts on – what or who is the most important at any given point in time and this heart-set expresses itself through our thoughts, words and actions.

Of course, God wants to be the One we worship. Hebrews 13:15-16 says this about worship: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” We worship God with our lips and an accompanying lifestyle that reflects the heart of God.

Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” As we orient and offer all that we are and all that we do to God with a pure heart, we worship Him.

This is worship and as Christians, we’re called, first and foremost, to worship God. Living in and for Christ, whether it’s at work, school, or in our hidden places, is worship.

One might ask, “How does our worship affect God? Why is it so important to Him?” The Psalmist in Psalm 99 connects exalting God with our worship of Him. When God is number one in our lives and this reality is apparent in the way we live, we lift God up for all to see. He receives the glory and honour that He deserves.

How does our worship of God influence the world around us? When we’re focused on God, when our lives are consecrated to Him and His service, it’s a powerful witness to those in our sphere of influence. People are drawn to Jesus as they see him in us.

So, how does actually worshipping God change us?