David had a passionate heart of worship towards God. What characterized his lifestyle of worship and devotion? He managed his life being devoted to God and engaging diligently with the Lord through active prayer and intimate fellowship. When it came time for him to pass the baton of leadership to his son, Solomon, he specifically prayed and encouraged Solomon to have two vital heartbeats of leadership: a loyal heart and a willing mind.
“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9-10).
David passed on a lifestyle of worship. Solomon tried to walk in wisdom and a way of worship, but allowed his heart to be misled and eventually stolen by his weakness for women. From David and the likes of Joshua, Daniel and the early disciples of Jesus we can learn a lot about living a lifestyle of worship.
RELEVANCE
You can read about any of the heroes in the Bible who understood a lifestyle of devotion and worship and you will see key commonalities.
- Responsiveness to God
- Sense of purpose
- Attitude of humility and reverence
- Simple active trusting faith
- Growth in God through a dynamic relationship with Him
- A way marked in selflessness, servanthood and stewardship
When the LORD issued the great commission to make disciples, He had such a concept in mind. His aim was to draw people unto Himself who would learn of Him and walk in His ways. Being in His way enables and empowers us to do our work and serve others in His grace, “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
The world’s way lacks integrity. People walking in truth you can trust are hard to find. Most are motivated and motivate others with external incentives appealing to fleshly desires and selfish pride. As God’s children, however, we should be motivated by being found pleasing to God, as He rewards us with treasures the world cannot provide.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What role models do you have?
How do they worship God?
How is it evident in their life?
REFERENCES
1 Corinthians 4:14-17; 11:1