Make Your Life an Altar of Worship

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: September 9, 2024

Scripture: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." -  Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) 

Devotional Thoughts

In the Old Testament, an altar was a physical structure where offerings were made to God. It was a place of sacrifice where the people of God would bring their best to worship and honour Him. But in the New Testament, the concept of an altar takes on a new meaning. Paul writes that our bodies are to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is not just about physical offerings but about offering our very lives as a sacrifice of worship.

It means that every moment, every decision, every thought, and every action is an opportunity to worship God. It's not just about Sunday mornings or Tuesday evenings but about living a life that is continually surrendered to Him.

Practical Reflections

So, what does it look like to make our lives an altar of worship? Here are a few practical reflections:

• Offer your daily tasks as worship: Whether you're a student, a working professional, or a stay-at-home parent, your daily tasks can be an act of worship. Do them with excellence, and do them as unto the Lord.

• Use your gifts to glorify God: Whatever your skills or talents, use them to bring glory to God. Whether it's singing, writing, or cooking, use your gifts to worship Him.

• Surrender your struggles: When faced with difficulties, instead of complaining or giving up, offer them to God as a sacrifice of worship. Trust that He is working all things together for your good.

Closing Thoughts

Making our lives an altar of worship is not a one-time decision but a daily choice. It's a choice to surrender our will, our desires, and our lives to God. It's a choice to live a life that is pleasing to Him and to bring glory to His name.

As we offer our lives as a living sacrifice, we can be assured that God will transform us, renew our minds, and guide us into His perfect will. It's a journey, not a destination, and it's one that requires commitment, surrender, and trust.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I want to make my life an altar of worship. I want to offer my body, my mind, and my heart to You as a living sacrifice. Help me to surrender my will to Yours and to trust that You are working all things together for my good. Transform, renew my mind, and guide me into Your perfect will. Help me to see every moment, every decision, and every action as an opportunity to worship You. May my life be a pleasing aroma to You, and may I bring glory to Your name in all that I do. Amen.