Sunday, February 20, 2011
Worship as a Lifestyle
Matthew 5:1-16, Jesus describes the character and behavior displayed in children of the King; character and behavior that reflect a lifestyle of worship.
Once you have entered the King's inner chamber and enjoyed the intimacy of His presence you will never be the same again. The world looks different from the King's perspective. It will change the way you behave, and may cause you to be “ruined for the ordinary.”
Esther prepared for an entire year for her one night with the king. She had no guarantee that she would see him again after that one encounter. Yet no matter the outcome, she would never be ‘just a peasant girl from a conquered nation' again. From that day forward she walked, talked and carried herself like the queen she had become. Esther prepared carefully and diligently for one night with the king. But her queenly demeanor became a lifestyle .
For the King's favorites worship is not something that happens just in church on Sunday, or when we spend time alone in God's presence. Once we learn the protocol of the palace—the protocol of intimate worship—it becomes (or should become) our way of life. Everywhere we go we will carry ourselves like the King's intimates. This does not mean we will act arrogantly or boast of our position. It does mean that we will live in such a way as to reflect the heart and character of the King . We will act like His children no matter where we are or what our circumstances.
Because the King abides in us through His Holy Spirit, we carry His presence with us wherever we go. Therefore, every moment of every day becomes an opportunity and a reason for worship. Worship is how we handle ourselves in the presence of the King. Worship is not what we do; it is who we are! We are worshipers by nature. As the King's intimates and favorites, our entire lives should be a continuing act of worship!
In Matthew 5 Jesus described the character of the King's children. He said that they are poor in spirit, mournful (over the sin of the world), meek (gentle), hungry and thirsty for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart and peacemakers. He also said they are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. In short, they exhibit the character of their father, the King. Summing it all up, Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” That's what a lifestyle of worship is all about.
As children of the King, everything we do or say reflects on His name and character, either for good or bad. Ask yourself: Is my daily life a continuing act of worship? Do my words and behavior draw people to the King or drive them away?
Let your life become an ongoing offering of worship to your King. Let Him spill over onto the lives of others. Let your light shine!
Once you have entered the King's inner chamber and enjoyed the intimacy of His presence you will never be the same again. The world looks different from the King's perspective. It will change the way you behave, and may cause you to be “ruined for the ordinary.”
Esther prepared for an entire year for her one night with the king. She had no guarantee that she would see him again after that one encounter. Yet no matter the outcome, she would never be ‘just a peasant girl from a conquered nation' again. From that day forward she walked, talked and carried herself like the queen she had become. Esther prepared carefully and diligently for one night with the king. But her queenly demeanor became a lifestyle .
For the King's favorites worship is not something that happens just in church on Sunday, or when we spend time alone in God's presence. Once we learn the protocol of the palace—the protocol of intimate worship—it becomes (or should become) our way of life. Everywhere we go we will carry ourselves like the King's intimates. This does not mean we will act arrogantly or boast of our position. It does mean that we will live in such a way as to reflect the heart and character of the King . We will act like His children no matter where we are or what our circumstances.
Because the King abides in us through His Holy Spirit, we carry His presence with us wherever we go. Therefore, every moment of every day becomes an opportunity and a reason for worship. Worship is how we handle ourselves in the presence of the King. Worship is not what we do; it is who we are! We are worshipers by nature. As the King's intimates and favorites, our entire lives should be a continuing act of worship!
In Matthew 5 Jesus described the character of the King's children. He said that they are poor in spirit, mournful (over the sin of the world), meek (gentle), hungry and thirsty for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart and peacemakers. He also said they are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. In short, they exhibit the character of their father, the King. Summing it all up, Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” That's what a lifestyle of worship is all about.
As children of the King, everything we do or say reflects on His name and character, either for good or bad. Ask yourself: Is my daily life a continuing act of worship? Do my words and behavior draw people to the King or drive them away?
Let your life become an ongoing offering of worship to your King. Let Him spill over onto the lives of others. Let your light shine!
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