The Lifestyle of Worship • Colossians 3:1-5, 12-17
By Sydney Charlton
I’ve lived in southern states my entire life. Church steeples and worship centers aren’t hard to come by on winding back roads or in populated downtown areas. I worry that familiarity with such reminders of worship and spiritual heritage causes us to overlook the value and importance of genuine worship in our personal lives.
Worship isn’t merely a service on Sundays. For Christ-followers, worship is part of who we are. When we rightly understand Who God is and what He has accomplished on our behalf through Jesus, worship becomes a natural part of our everyday lives.
I often quote 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) to myself: “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Washing dishes, folding laundry, completing work projects, and serving others are all acts of worship when I have a Christ-like attitude.
We often meet individuals who are hesitant to enter our churches for various reasons. But these people will engage in conversations on a ball field, in the grocery store checkout line, or even meet for coffee after the chaos of the car rider line on a weekday morning. The way we live is worship, but does your agenda reveal your desire to honor and worship God? Living in a way that honors God personally prepares our hearts for Sunday’s corporate worship. Assembling with other Christians is critical to growing in our faith. These gatherings become even more life-giving when we make every effort to worship God no matter what circumstances we face (Hebrews 10:25, ESV).
Colossians 3:1-5
It doesn’t take long for anyone to determine what means the most to us. Minutes after meeting someone, we learn who and what they love, what hobbies they enjoy, and the goals they are working toward. I love talking about my husband and my daughters. I become giddy telling someone about a good find at a local thrift store. And I could share my opinion about why I believe piping hot coffee is superior to cold coffee with anyone willing to listen. None of these topics are bad, but if people leave my company never hearing about the things of Christ, I have missed something.
Being saved from sin through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ is the best thing about me. Why wouldn’t I talk about it? A lifestyle of worship requires that we do all things with a manner of excellence, as we are doing it all for the Lord (Colossians 3:23, ESV).
This lifestyle depends on us focusing on Christ. We become a new creation upon coming to faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:17, ESV). Our prior ways of thinking must cease because we seek the things of God. Our identity has shifted from “separated from God” to “child of God.” He has uniquely created us and has tasked us with making much of Him in all circumstances. The only way to complete this mission is to intently fix our gaze on the One Who has saved our souls and sustains us.
Colossians 3:12-15
Desiring to lead a lifestyle of worship requires us to strive to live and act like Christ. Not only should our attitude emulate Christ, but our actions should reflect our desire to live in a manner worthy of being called His beloved children (Philippians 2:5, Ephesians 4:1, ESV). As God’s chosen ones, we must consider how our actions and reactions point others to Him or deter them from considering His goodness.
When we allow the peace of God to rule in our hearts, we become more like Him. We become less easily offended when we have been wronged. We become kinder and more patient. We become quick to forgive, and we desire to live in unity. Most importantly, we become more loving. As Christians, we should aim to be known for our love of God and for others (John 13:35, ESV).
Colossians 3:16-17
Leading a lifestyle of worship causes gratitude and honor to Christ to become part of our identity. Understanding the significance of what Jesus Christ has accomplished on our behalf prompts us to worship Him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24, ESV). Consider what He has done in your own life. Think about the numerous ways God has worked on your behalf. Doing so reminds us that it is reasonable to surrender to the Lord, and to become a living sacrifice because it is our true worship (Romans 12:1, ESV).
Christ gave all so we may live for Him. He deserves our worship because He is the only One worthy!
Charlton is the OneHope Missions Assistant at Crossgates Baptist Church, Brandon.
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