Worship That Produces Obedience

Scripture: Romans 12:1 (KJV)
"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

Personal Reflection

True worship never ends when the church service concludes. Worship that remains confined to a building or a schedule is incomplete. Genuine worship transforms the way we live.

Abel's worship was demonstrated through his obedience. His faith moved him to bring the sacrifice God required. Worship and obedience have always been inseparably connected. A person cannot claim to love God while continually disregarding His commands.

The apostle Paul teaches that believers are to present themselves as living sacrifices. Unlike the sacrifices of the Old Testament, which were slain and placed upon the altar, the Christian is called to live daily upon the altar of devotion and obedience.

Every act of obedience becomes an act of worship. When we forgive those who have wronged us, we worship. When we resist temptation, we worship. When we serve others in Christ's name, we worship. When we submit to God's will in difficult circumstances, we worship.

Many desire the emotions of worship without the demands of obedience. Yet Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Obedience is not the cause of our salvation but the evidence of our love.

The truest measure of worship is not how high we raise our hands but how faithfully we surrender our lives. Worship that does not affect conduct is merely sentiment. Worship that changes behavior demonstrates genuine faith.

Contemplation

Does my daily life reflect the worship I profess on Sunday?

Puritan Quote

Thomas Watson wrote:

"Obedience is the daughter of faith and the evidence of love."

Prayer

Father, let my worship be more than words. Help me present my life as a living sacrifice and glorify You through joyful obedience. Amen.

Application

Choose one command of Scripture that you have been neglecting and take a specific step today toward obeying it.