Chris Gaston, Worship Leader

As We Live and Breath

"Worship is no longer something connected with set feasts, such as Passover; or a set place, such as the temple; or set priests, such as the Levitical system prescribed. It is for all the people of God at all times and places, and it is bound up with how they live (e.g. Romans 12:1-2)." Worship by the Book, pg. 24.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:1-2

Worshiping God is no longer bound by a specific place or limited to an allotment of time or dictated by a certain person. As we live and breath, we are free to worship (or not worship) God. We are creatures that were made to worship. What we worship is identified in our actions. Our true motives are uncovered by the things we do with the time we are given in this life.

Two thoughts come to mind. One is an encouragement. The other, a challenge. I look at Romans 12:1-2 and think it is impossible to fulfill this verse; thus leaving me imperfect and falling short of the standard set. That's when God's grace comes swooping into play. God's grace covers our sin. For this I am eternally grateful. The challenge comes from II Corintians 10:5..."bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...". What does that look like? Different for different people. But the over-arching theme is that each one of us is accountable for our thoughts and our actions. This is one of the reasons why reading the word of God and praying is so important.

Will we ever be perfect? Not this side of Heaven. But while we are on this side of the fence, we should always be engaged in the battle against sin -- struggling and persevering in our efforts to worship God.