“Worship changes the worshiper into the image of the One worshiped.”
This quote by Jack Hayford reminds me of Romans 8:29 where Paul wrote that Christians are to be “conformed to the image of His Son.” In other words we are to become like the One we worship. We are, as Peter put it, to become “partakers of the divine nature.”
So as we each join together in our local fellowships to worship a Holy God we should seek to become holy in our daily lives. Peter exhorted, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Pet 1:15-16)
As we sing of the love of God, we should show love to our fellow man. The apostle John says hating our brother is incompatible with our claim to love God (1 John 4:20).
As we pray to a God who forgives our sins, we ought to forgive those who sin against us. Jesus said, if we don’t forgive others, God will not forgive us (Matt 6:15).
As we reflect on the generosity of God toward us, we should be generous toward Him and others. So, we freely and cheerfully give monetarily of our prosperity (2 Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 9:6-8). And, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).
As we take communion and remember Jesus dying on the cross, we are motivated to deny self, take up our cross daily and follow in His steps (Lk 9:23).
Yes, worship has the power to change and transform us. As we sing “O To Be Like Thee” may it really be true in our lives. Every day.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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