Worshiping God With My Life
Today NLWI is excited to feature John Martin. John recently joined the staff team as the Director of Ministries. He has a heart for worship and helping others grow in their love for God and others. NLWI is greatly blessed to have him on the team.
For my first official blog post as a full-time employee of NLW International, I wanted to write something that would be bold and powerful. I wanted it to be inspiring and educational. So, I sat down at my computer and waited for the words to flow. An hour later, I was still staring at a blank screen and rather than feeling inspired, I was hungry and tired and just wanted to go watch a movie. But that would not have accomplished anything, so I covered my face with my hands and asked God, “Why did I agree to do this?” Now when I asked that question, I was referring to why I had agreed to write an article for our blog. But, as usual, God had a bigger picture in mind. I sensed him leading me to ponder the “why” question I have been asked several times over the past few months since coming onboard full-time with NLWI. When I told my family I was making the move, they asked, “Why?” When I told my boss that I was leaving a promising career to take this position, he asked, “Why?” Since the announcement was made at the first of February until now, I have been asked that question many times. “Why?” So, please allow me to answer that question here and now.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.” –1 Corinthians 10:31
When we think of worshiping God, what comes to mind? Praying? Going to church? Singing? Dancing? Lifting our hands toward Heaven? Worship includes these things, but encompasses much more.
The reason that I came to work for NLWI is because I have realized, just like Paul told the Corinthians, we are to worship the Lord in everything we do. Genuine worship is not a life event, it is a lifestyle. Literally everything we do is to be an act of worship to God. In other words, it should bring Him glory! So many people do not understand that, and I want to help them grasp the truth of lifestyle worship. That is why I am here, and that is why I do what I do. So how can we worship through our lives? Much of the answer lies in our attitude and motivation.
First, we glorify Him simply by doing our best. God is pleased when we make the most of the gifts He has given us. Second, we please Him when we approach life with an attitude of thanks, joy, and with an awareness of His presence. Third, we glorify God by treating others with respect. Fourth, when we invest in respecting others and building relationships with them, we glorify God by sharing our faith with them. Fifth, we can glorify God in our life by enjoying it—taking delight in the things God has given us and acknowledging that He is the source of all joy. So please allow me to share some practical examples of how you can worship God with your life and glorify Him in everything you do:
• Do your best and give 100% in everything you do.
• Be mindful of God’s blessings and focus on His goodness rather than on all the negativity.
• Treat everyone, even those who are different and have different beliefs, with courtesy and respect.
• Share your faith with everyone you meet (this can prove difficult if you’re not doing the above).
• Enjoy life. Remember that this is a day that God has made and be glad and rejoice in it!
Of course, we will never be able to do this all perfectly, but the important thing is to keep trying. I am going to try my best to live a life of worship for God. I hope and pray that you will join me!
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