How Do You Worship?

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The word “worship” often gives the impression of religious activities performed in church on Sundays. But the Bible gives a much broader perspective.  The Hebrew word for “work” is often used to describe worship, service and cultivation – which indicates the need to integrate our services with glorification of God.

This perspective of work began in Genesis 2:15 where God “took the man and put him in the Garden to work it.” Also, in Colossians 3:23-24, Paul says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (NIV).  Verse 26 of the same passage warns that if what we do is unjust in the sight of man and therefore, in the sight of God, we will be paid back for the wrong we have done.

God is not partial and has no favourites. Therefore, let your work or service be acceptable to Him for you to receive a reward.  It is your work that makes you known or famous. Proverbs 22:29 says, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men” (NASB).   People are remembered by their work, even after death.  Gustave Flaubert said, “Be steady and well-ordered in your life so that you can be fierce and original in your work.” Originality in your business makes you stand out.

Life is dull without work. Laziness and dullness are the curses of life. Romans 12: 11 says, “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” You are indeed serving the Lord in your business. Successful people understand the value of work; they devote themselves to it.  Such people uplift the standard of their lives. Thus, work is worship in our life, without which life would be without purpose.

Adam was created to take care of God’s creations. Man was created to manage and have dominion over other creatures. He was created after a managerial function had been prepared for him to perform. Indeed, every believer is engaged in full-time ministry, and our work is a critical part of our ministry.

As humans we are created for productive activities, to make the world a better place. The truth is that God created human beings to work. Our occupations as carpenters, plumbers, gardeners, teachers, lawyers, pharmacists, engineers, pilots, physicians, should be done to God’s glory.

Our work is a vehicle, a chance, an opportunity for each one of us to express ourselves. This perspective can change everything about how we see our work, and how much it can contribute to our life. It is not just something on which we spend one-third of our time to get money. Instead, work is a platform where we can showcase the very best in ourselves.  It is our chance to grow and become all we ever wanted to be. It is the most important, and the best thing in our lives. We should not miss or waste even a single second of it. It is a vehicle to have the life we always wanted to have.

Work should be a pleasure, not a burden. Surveys have shown that work and sleep each takes around 33 per cent or one-third of all our days in a year. In many surveys around the world, it has been found that most people (more than 50 per cent) are not happy in their work and thus seek happiness in the remaining 33 per cent or one-third of the remaining time they have. This situation has emotional and psychological implications.

James A. Michener said, “The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labour and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing.  To him he’s always doing both.”

Service of humanity is service of God. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

All work is sacred. There is no menial work when done with the right mental attitude to please God who has given us the ability and gifts to utilise in His service. Individuals are given different gifts in different measures to make the world a better place.

Your work is to fulfill divine purpose so that the will of God may be carried out in every direction. God must use people to execute His programmes on earth. In your work, you offer Him your intellect, hands, feet, time and even your life. That is why there is need to consecrate your body for His service or worship.