Worship, the Simple Way to Find Out Why Your Life is Like It Is

There may not be any connection between your religious affiliation and what you worship. To tag yourself as Christian means very little in our time. In many places, it implies nothing at all. To identify yourself with churchgoers may not prove anything about what you worship.

The word “worship” comes from “worth” and “ship.” It’s all in the worth. What you place worth in, you worship. Worth is value, high price, treasure, what is appreciated, what is loved—that is what is important to you.

Think about what is important to you. The events you put in your calendar that cannot be canceled, the areas in your life that get financial priority, or anything that gets your passion going— anything that fires you up.

These questions will point you towards your person or object of worship. I think it’s going to surprise some of us to stand in front of King Jesus and find out, as the events of our lives are played out, how little worship of Jesus there was!

You actually do not have any choice on whether or not you will worship—you are wired that way. But WHO you worship is your decision. It is a decision of focus—where to place your valuable time, talent, and treasure.

Heart worship is expressed in thoughts, words, and actions. Ezekiel’s words still ring clear today: “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts…” Idols are not gods—they are things that compete with God.

You actually do not have any choice on whether or not you will worship—you are wired that way.

We bounce in and out with God like a yoyo on a string. We are up and down, inconsistent and most feel okay with that because God is merciful, good, kind, and loving. We want everything to do with the Lord Jesus in our life to be debatable, up for readjustment or realignment. The markings of the Christian life are not a priority for most people. Things like regular prayer, Bible reading, public worship, public witness, righteous living—these are so often low on most lists that they are done inconsistently or half-heartedly.

My question is, “Where is the worship of God?” Where and under what circumstances does He get the 1st place, the highest priority, the most value, the uncompromisable commitment? Some of us for fear of overcommitment will not commit to spiritual commitments. The truth is you are going to commit to something. If it’s not to the ways of God, it will be something else. If you love Jesus, how can you ever overcommit to Him??

Worship has gone astray. It has become a practice of convenience. It has been identified as the time we sing in church. But that may be entertainment, not the true worship of Jesus.

Choices are made every day. What choices will I make today that will reflect that I serve Jesus and worship Him above anything and everything else?

Follow who you worship, and there you find your destiny!

Dennis Heppner grew up in Canada and was called to ministry as a young boy. Dennis and his wife Denie, who was also called to missions as a child, pastored 4 churches in Canada, but in 1987 the door opened to come to the Philippines as missionaries. They brought their 4 eldest children with them and the kids grew up here. In 2006 they adopted Emma Rose, a special Filipino treasure and a gift from God to their family.

Dennis has been a missionary evangelist in Asia for 25 years. He was the director of LIFESCHOOLS of ministry and pastored 3 churches in the early years of his ministry based in the Philippines. He is currently the founder and President of Developing Effective Leaders (DEL), superintendent of Church of God West Asia, and the founding and lead Pastor of the vibrant, growing Church of God Makati.

Dennis and Denie and their whole family, including Josh and Melody who live in Canada, are committed to missions, leadership, and the call of Christ.

Extended Bio HERE.

Read more of pastor Dennis’s articles HERE!

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