The NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading PlanSample

Worship Isn’t Just for Church

Worship is a way of life. Worship is not simply what we do for God in church; it is also who we arefor God in the world. Our behavior can inspire others to praise and thank the Lord (see Matthew 5:16; 2 Corinthians 9:11 – 13).

This entire chapter demonstrates how we can bring worship into our daily lives. Worship becomes our way of life as we:

*Allow God to transform our minds. In this way our allegiance is transferred from the world to God.

*Serve others with our gifts. God is honored by the full exercise of our gifts, for it displays his glory as our Creator. We should rejoice in these gifts and use them to accomplish God’s purposes.

*Reflect God’s love and grace to those around us. This is the second great commandment: that we love others as ourselves (see Matthew 22:39). In Romans 12:9 – 21, Paul gives us numerous examples that illustrate how we are to obey this commandment. Note that these are not simply humanitarian gestures. They are acts of worship, acts that please and honor God.

Putting It into Practice

Review Romans 12. Have you offered your entire self for the daily worship of God? If not, what has kept you from doing so? This is the starting place for our walk with God. Spiritual renewal begins with giving ourselves completely to God. Consider the three primary ways mentioned here to bring worship into daily life. Which of these ways least characterizes your behavior? Make specific plans for worshiping God more fully in this area in your life.

Taken from NIV Spiritual Renewal Study Bible