Mark 2:27 A practice that begins as a good thing can become something bad when we lose sight of its original purpose. God's command to keep the Sabbath, given as a gracious gift to remind his people of his covenant with them, soon became a burden to Israel. Instead of focusing on the true purpose for the day, the religious leaders of Israel became sidetracked with legalistic concerns about exactly how to keep the Sabbath. They became more concern about specific definitions of right and wrong than about their devotion to God. For example, they carefully detailed which knots could be tied on the Sabbath and which were considered work. Knots that could be tied and untied with one hand were legal, but those involving both hands were not. This thus made dressing, drawing water from a well, and a number of other daily practices subject to strict regulations.

Worship is a way of life (Romans 12:2). It is not simply what we do for God in church; it is also what we are for God in the world. Our behavior can inspire others to praise and thank the Lord (see Matthew 5:16 and 2 Corinthians 9:11). The entire chapter shows us 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 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 commandment: that we love others as ourselves. In Romans 12:9-21), Paul gives us numerous concrete examples that illustrate how we are to obey this commandment. 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. Reflect on the three primary ways to bring worship into daily life.

For more on worship, read 1 Corinthians 14.