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- How Do You Live A “Lifestyle” of Worship?
How Do You Live A “Lifestyle” of Worship?
- By Kevin Pledger
- Published June 5, 2008
- Spiritual Formation
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Kevin Pledger
During his career, Kevin has shared the stage and sung with the
likes of Anthony Evans, Guy Penrod (of the Gaither Vocal Band), Sue
Dodge, Lana Ranahan, John Starnes, Ivan Parker and more. In 2006, he
wrote "I Will Go," the theme song for the Southern Baptist Convention's
Cooperative Program (International Missions). The song was recorded by
INO recording artist, Anthony Evans. Now at
37, Kevin is the Worship Arts Leader at the thriving First Christian
Church in Decatur, IL. Part
of this includes leading a Songwriter's Workshop training other
songwriters in the church and creating a culture of creative worship.
View all articles by Kevin Pledger
I’ve heard several worship leaders and authors use the phrase, “Worship is a lifestyle, not an event.” The first time I read that, I thought, “Yeah! Right on! I agree with that one!” But the more I got to thinking about it, the more I wondered how I could apply that to me. What is a “lifestyle” of worship?
Not long after that, I was doing a study on the life of King David. This particular day’s study was on more of Saul and Samuel than David giving some background information. I came across the passage in 1 Samuel 15, where Saul has been disobedient and has brought back spoils from a battle. God had said to kill everything and bring back no spoils!
Enter Samuel. See him in your mind as he walks up to Saul and hears the cattle and sheep in the background that Saul has taken from battle. He inquires of Saul as to the meaning of this; surely already knowing the answer. Saul tries to backpedal and says that all of this is to sacrifice to the Lord “your God.” (I find it interesting that Saul never said, “the Lord, my God” or “the Lord, our God.”) Samuel comes back with the statement that opened my eyes wide to the truth of God’s Word. He said, “To obey is better than sacrifice…”
God showed me that my lifestyle of worship is to be a lifestyle of obedience! Before God wants our songs, before He wants our church attendance, before He wants our time preparing worship sets, or scheduling band members – before any of that, He wants our heart! He wants to know that we have His will at the forefront. Unless this priority is straight, our acts of worship carry a hollow ring. They are void of what should be the essence of worship – a surrendered obedient heart to the Maker of the universe. This is what He desires first.
Seek His kingdom first, then everything else is added to us. Paul said that we are to be a “living sacrifice,” and that this is our reasonable form of spiritual worship. Worship in its purest form – obedience.
Not long after that, I was doing a study on the life of King David. This particular day’s study was on more of Saul and Samuel than David giving some background information. I came across the passage in 1 Samuel 15, where Saul has been disobedient and has brought back spoils from a battle. God had said to kill everything and bring back no spoils!
Enter Samuel. See him in your mind as he walks up to Saul and hears the cattle and sheep in the background that Saul has taken from battle. He inquires of Saul as to the meaning of this; surely already knowing the answer. Saul tries to backpedal and says that all of this is to sacrifice to the Lord “your God.” (I find it interesting that Saul never said, “the Lord, my God” or “the Lord, our God.”) Samuel comes back with the statement that opened my eyes wide to the truth of God’s Word. He said, “To obey is better than sacrifice…”
God showed me that my lifestyle of worship is to be a lifestyle of obedience! Before God wants our songs, before He wants our church attendance, before He wants our time preparing worship sets, or scheduling band members – before any of that, He wants our heart! He wants to know that we have His will at the forefront. Unless this priority is straight, our acts of worship carry a hollow ring. They are void of what should be the essence of worship – a surrendered obedient heart to the Maker of the universe. This is what He desires first.
Seek His kingdom first, then everything else is added to us. Paul said that we are to be a “living sacrifice,” and that this is our reasonable form of spiritual worship. Worship in its purest form – obedience.
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3 Responses to "How Do You Live A “Lifestyle” of Worship?"
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said this on 05 Jun 2008 12:44:34 PM CST
Fantastic article! Truly our obedience proves our genuine desire to worship Him and to give Him the praise He rightly deserves. And, it is from the issues of our hearts that our desires for worship and obedience flow. Kevin, thanks for great worship songs and one of the best articles on real worship I've seen in a long time. God bless you!
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said this on 06 Jun 2008 8:12:12 AM CST
A very good witness article. The spirit of the Lord comes as the wind to stir our hearts at the right moment to encourage us to change more into his likeness. Music expresses this witness in another manner, that encourages change to be stirred up in other hearts, by the same spirit. May the Lord exceedingly bless you in your endeavors to express these truths by your music compositions.
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said this on 14 Jun 2008 5:57:26 PM CST
What a wonderful reminder that worship should be a lifestyle flowing from an obedient heart. Once we give God our hearts, our worship becomes more meaningful to both God and to the ones who worship. There should always be an "Order of Worship." The first order of worship is truly the heart.
Thank you for this well written article on "HOW" to worship...Heart, Obedience, Worship Ron Wallace |