As I was reading through chapter six of the book Galatians, two verses stood out to me, verses 9 and 10.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.”
As I read the Bible, I am always looking for ways to worship God in the way I live my life. For too long I lived my life with the idea that worship was only on a Sunday morning with a group of believers singing together, or in a small group setting doing the same thing. Worship is so much more than merely singing and praying together. It’s how we live our lives every day. Before moving on, let’s look at a few words that can help us in our understanding of what worship is.
WORSHIP – “to attribute worth” suggests that when we worship God, we ascribe Him supreme worth. It’s an action meaning to render or give praise that’s due Him.
See Psalm 96:7-8 and Revelation 5:12.
PAYING HOMAGE – means to respect, revere, or acknowledge the worth of another.
VENERATION – is a feeling of profound respect and the willingness to serve someone or something. This respect isn’t a respect like I have for Michael in our friendship. Rather, it’s a respect with a sense of awe wrapped around it. (Sorry Michael, but I’m not in awe of you.)
So, when we consider these words and apply them with the verses here in Galatians, we can come up with some pretty good ideas how we can worship God every day, more than through song or prayer.
“as we have opportunity” does not mean…here or there, or for a limited time only. It means during our entire time of existence in this present life.
“let us do” is an action calling us to make an effort. We don’t sit on our couches and let things come to us as we watch the TV. Instead, we go out of our way to meet others and make a positive difference to advance Gods kingdom.
“all people” means everybody!!! We cannot be selective, for God wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. See 1Timothy 2:4.
“especially to those who belong to the family of believers” hold on to your seats, this one might knock you around. 1 John 4:20-21 says: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” Ouch, that hurt! Just think, how much more would somebody who doesn't believe in Jesus, want to come to church if they saw us treating each other with love. Check out 1 Peter 2:12.
What do we learn about worship from this passage?
1. Worship is an action. Be willing to look for and act upon opportunities to serve others.
2. Do good to people, especially to those who you call a brother or sister in Christ.
Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter replied three times, “you know that I love you.” Jesus didn't stop there, but he asked Peter to do something. Jesus asked Peter to feed His sheep, he also told Peter to “Follow me!”
Peter lived out the word veneration. Are you willing to do the same, and make opportunities, or take action on the ones that have been handed to you?
Worship as King David did in Psalm 103, with all your soul and all your inmost being!
