I found this quote on the Connexions blog.
Why did Christ come? Why was He conceived? Why was He born? Why was He crucified? Why did He rise again? Why is He now at the right hand of the Father? The answer to all these questions is, "in order that He might make worshipers out of rebels; in order that He might restore us again to the place of worship we knew when we were first created."
Now because we were created to worship, worship is the normal employment of moral beings. It's the normal employment, not something stuck on or added, like listening to a concert or admiring flowers. It is something that is built into human nature. ~ A. W. Tozer (1879-1963)
I agree with everything that Tozer says here but I think that he forgets to point out that worship is NOT just about singing songs or praise although that can be a part of it. Worship is about giving up our selfish ambition and desires for the sake of the gospel.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind Rom 12:1,2
Notice that the verse calls us to offer our bodies as living sacrifes not just as a sacrifice. We our constantly to be putting to death all desires that take priority over God and his kingdom. I think that we often hear that our salvation is found in surrendoring our lives to Christ but there is a huge emphasis on it being a one time event. I argue that to be in a state of worship we must be constantly in a place of death. Our priorities must become God's priorities in order to truely worship him.
Posted by rose at August 7, 2004 07:25 AM | TrackBack