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Last week, I took a day trip to Orlando, Florida for work. While en route to the venue for the event, I saw another car beside us. In the car was a middle aged man wearing a turban. I knew from his headwear that he was a probably a Sikh or wearing it for religious purposes. It’s Florida and it’s warm. My immediate thought after seeing that driver was –I am so glad that my faith does not require headwear. I am grateful that I get to be comfortable, especially as a woman. Talk about the daily sacrifice of clothing and convenience that that religion requires.

And in that moment, I was convicted. How many times do I choose convenience in my relationship with God. I talk about wanting to worship God with everything that I have and everything that I am. In what ways do I sacrifice for God and how can I live that daily? I was reminded that sacrifice is a form of worship unto the Lord.

Jesus’ Sacrifice for Us

The best example and starting point for me was Jesus Christ. Jesus was the Son of God and worshipped the Father through His sacrifice. When He died for our sins, paying the price for our chance to have a reconciled relationship with God the Father, there was no convenience route. He was more than willing to endure the suffering, knowing that we would reap the blessing of his choice.

Philippians 2:6-8 ESV
Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Our Sacrifice to God

So how do I offer sacrifice to God practically? One important way is to obey Him. Coincidently, because we are imperfect beings, we are not always naturally inclined to do what God says. We don’t always default to things like considering others, neglecting worry, running from lust and being slow to speak. But these are things that God demands. These are things that He has called us to as believers and when we sacrifice through obedience, we worship Him.

Romans 12:1 ESV
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Our Sacrifice with One Another

With Christ’s example of love through sacrifice, we as followers can show this same love toward one another. Look at your community, neighbors, family and friends. What can you give that they need? Maybe an hour of your time at the local Boys and Girls club. Maybe some clothes that you think you’ll wear again but let’s be real, you’re not. Maybe some prayer and encouragement. These are pleasing sacrifices to the Lord and blessings to those around you. Through this worship, Christ is ultimately exalted.

 1 John 3:16-17  (NIV)

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?

What are some practical ways that you offer Worship? Leave a comment below…

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Want this Tee?

I got this cool tee from Art of Homage.  So check it out!

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