Monday Memo 1221: Purpose as Worship
Let's continue with our 'Back to Basics' series. I've never been comfortable with referring to the song portion of our public services as worship. Yes, that is what we're doing when we sing, but it gives the impression that when we're not singing, we're not worshiping. And that's not the case. When Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22, he told his servants that they were going "to worship" and would return. They were not going to the mountain to sing.
Paul wrote, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" (Romans 12:1). When Paul urged believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, he was describing worship that extends beyond a church service into every area of life. Where your body goes, there you worship.
Therefore, your creative purpose is an act of worship. Colossians 3:23–24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” Whether you're teaching, building, writing, parenting, serving, or leading, it can all be worship when it's done unto God in the power of His Spirit.
Jesus affirmed this lifestyle of worship when He quoted the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Worship is total devotion—heart, soul, mind, and strength aligned with God’s purpose. It's not a part-time endeavor, but a full-time obsession of sorts.
Worship also transforms your creativity from a hobby or diversion to serious Kingdom business. Psalm 33:3 exhorts, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” Creativity is not neutral—it's designed to glorify the Creator. Music, art, writing, leadership, and innovation become sacred acts when offered as worship. Worship sanctifies creativity, redirecting it from self-glory to God’s glory.
Living in worship also guards us against idolatry. Romans 1:25 warns that humanity exchanged the truth of God for lies, worshiping creation rather than the Creator. When our purpose becomes about self-promotion or recognition, we risk misdirecting our gifts. An attitude of worship keeps us grounded, reminding us that all glory belongs to God.
Your purpose will only thrive when you see it as worship. A worshipful heart says, “Lord, everything I am and do, and everything I create is for You.” In that posture, your creative purpose finds its true fulfillment.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can you turn your daily work into an act of worship?
- How does seeing creativity as worship change the way you use your gifts?
- What idols might be competing for your devotion and need to be surrendered?
Prayer
Father, I offer myself to You as a living sacrifice. May my work, my words, and my creativity bring glory to Your name. Keep me from idols that would misdirect my gifts, and help me to live in a posture of continual worship. Amen.
Application
Each day this week, pause before starting your work and pray: “Lord, I offer this work (or play or creativity) as worship to You.” At the end of the week, reflect on how this shift in perspective changed your attitude toward your tasks.