The Cost of Worship...

God calls us to this:

Have you wondered what is the "true" cost of something? Do you question if what you pay for an item truly values the sacrifice and journey it takes to make said item? Think about your cell phone, car tires, hair brush, toothbrush, clothes and anything we see at a garage sale. We never know the story behind the goods we buy. Would it make any difference to know? We consume what ever fits our budget, desire or need. Is it possible that the COST of what we consume can have profound spiritual ramifications in our life? I think it can. (Luke 12:15)

Humans are consumers; biologically, socially, economically and spiritually. We tend to take and use up everything we can! According to the dictionary, to consume means to use, destroy or expend something. As an American, I have become increasingly aware of how the COST of products fuels what we consume. Our consumption of stuff could be looked at as a form of worship because of how important we view that experience and the time we invest doing it. Just think of the Christmas shopping season, outlet stores, cable shopping channels and various catalogs you get in the mail to recognize how important to society shopping can be. Sadly, humanity has long accepted that your value as a person can be determined by the "COST" of what you have. God asks us to be aware of the COST of what we consume and acquire. (1 John 3:17) God's value of you is NOT determined this way. His love for you is NOT determined by what you can or cannot afford. His love is FREE!! There are not any strings attached to His gift of Grace. There is no COST to you...Unless you fail to see the blessings that stems from His love into your life.

God desires for us to realize that we are more valuable to Him than anything; even His own life!! (Luke 12:6-7) He wants us to see that our relationship with Him trumps any COST, riches or glory you could receive on earth. He looks for ways to reveal Himself in your day, longing for you, calling for you, reaching for you...Hoping you will see how much He yearns to connect with you. (Luke 15:4-7) Our heavenly Father asks us to consume His never ending love and let it give us a JOY that cannot be contained. This joy should put us in a state of awe, admiration and amazement of His free gift to us. We will bestow praise, thanks and worship His name because He has told us the true COST of this love. (Romans 5:8)

Worship family, even though God's grace is free. It still COSTS a momentous sacrifice. Jesus paid in FULL the debt to eternal death for us. He ransomed us! (1 Timothy 2:5-6) He broke sin's chains wrapped around us. If we do not acknowledge this grace in our life, it COSTS us more than our life. If you don't give praise for the blessings you have, you miss out on more blessings in store for you. His love begets more love for you. His joy begets more joy through you. His Grace begets more grace for you, to others.

Let's recognize that the COST of worship is eternal. Worship draws the presence of God near to us. (Matthew 18:20) Worship connects us with each other in Holy fellowship. Worship redirects our focus to our healer, lover, maker, refuge, supporter, friend and partner in life. JESUS! To worship Jesus grants us a direct line to the Father. (John 14:6-7) Let us not miss-out on that life line.

Believe that financial stewardship is vital to our relationship with Christ. God wants to use us and our resources to bless others. The amount we give from the heart...determines how much we trust God. Let us trust Him and bring a spirit of joy and praise to the house of God. That is our calling, testimony and a gift to each other. Be mindful of what it COSTS to worship.

Love & Blessings,

Your Partner in Worship

Bryan Henry M.Ed.