Sunday, October 28, 2007

"A Sacrifice of Praise"

Hebrews 13:15
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name."

"A Sacrifice of Praise." Sit for a second. Ponder that phrase. Think about what it's implying. Our praise, our worship should cost us something. It shouldn't necessarily, or easy for that matter. It's a sacrifice.

When was the last time I praised God sacrificially? The last time my worship actually cost me something? The last time I pushed my comfort zone? Honestly... if our praise is supposed to be sacrificial, why do we let it become routine? You know, pushed beyond the "raise your hands during the chorus, kneel during We Fall Down" type of cookie-cutter worship the church has become accustomed to.

So what do you sacrifice? How do you praise, or worship? How do you praise sacrificially?

1 comment:

Aaron said...

But d00d, I get on my knees, AND raise both hands, AND make a really spiritual facial expression!!11one

Seriously though, here are some things that I would consider to be sacrificial worship:

Serving someone who you know won't return the favor.

Worshiping through musical expression when you aren't feeling it emotionally because you believe that God is bigger than your situation.

Giving money, enough so that it is a real sacrifice.

Giving time, especially when you don't have much.

Fasting. I should do it.