SACRIFICE OF PRAISE
Jenna Worsham
Today's Scripture: “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” Hebrews 13:15, NLT
Theme: Remaining in your comfort zone does not show devotion; allow your worship to reach a point of sacrifice.
"EASY” PRAISE
“I love your hair, especially that bandana!” The compliment was from the cashier at my favorite bakery where I had ordered a light lunch to bring to my husband’s place of work. It was his turn for the company’s “bring your dog to work” program and we would walk our dog Bach after eating. Because we would be walking outside, my hair was tied up and secured with a bright bandana. The compliment boosted my confidence, made me smile, and made it easy to tip my server. I don’t think she had ulterior motives, and I appreciated the compliment, but I don’t think this is a good example of a “sacrifice of praise” for a few reasons.
First, she was at her place of work and was paid to serve and interact with customers. Second, it is socially acceptable to give a compliment to another woman on a hairstyle. Third, making me happy while I was paying for my food might help her, either by motivating me to tip, treat her better, or just improve her own feelings about doing a service for others.
When I praise God do I offer “easy praise” like, “Thank you God for this food, this day, etc.” at mealtimes? Or do I offer a “continual sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15).
WORSHIP ALONE
Wherever we are, we can as our verse tells us, “continually” offer worship! Many of us sing in the car or in the shower. We try to worship at a weekend service when we are led by a team. Yet God doesn’t require our worship to be in a specific location. Sometimes I dance alone in my house. I don’t mean I just tap my foot around a little while I fold laundry or sway at the sink doing dishes. I do those, too, even when my family is around. But I mean I dance with large movements, leaping and spinning until I’m breathing hard and sweating. I danced in High School for an audience, but then I practiced and made up my own choreography alone in our formal living room. I would slide away the furniture and use the whole room for movement. I’d dance to music that was sad, angry, energetic, or worship music. Sometimes dancing became worship.
When no one is around, I can offer worship to God, knowing that it isn’t a performance because there is literally no one else to see. These days when I dance at home alone, it is when I’m at the end of my own ability. With my whole body, I express my concern, joy, or sorrow to a God who sees, even when I’m all alone.
WORSHIP TOGETHER, TOO
Another way to offer a sacrifice of praise is to offer it in front of people. We often worship next to family and friends. This brings up a question of allegiance. Do I ascribe more weight to what the people around me think or what God thinks? Some tests to help me decide might be: if they lift hands, do I worry that I will be seen as imitating them? If they don’t clap, lift hands, or dance, do I worry that they will question my sincerity or think I am trying to gain attention? Regardless of my concerns, do I worship God as I believe He would want me to worship, proving my ultimate allegiance is to Him?
Corporate worship can become a sacrifice when we obey a tug from God to worship in a way that feels risky. When we choose to ignore the pressure from eyes behind us or next to us, and instead worship God without being ashamed, that is a sacrifice of praise. It may be difficult to lower our inhibitions and worship God without fear, with wholehearted allegiance. Yet that is the sacrifice that is required.
Make It Personal: Are you willing to offer a “sacrifice of praise?” To whom does your worship show allegiance as you currently practice it?
Pray: Lord, thank You for Your patience with me. I recommit my allegiance to You today, offering a sacrifice of praise. Maybe I'll worship alone in my home first, away from any credit or worry from others. Help me to leave my comfort zone and commit to express my devotion to You. I apologize for the times I let my concern about what the people around me might think. Help me to hear You clearly – not to perform or fit in, but to obey and give praise to You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Hebrews 13:14-16; Psalm 149:1-6
Memory Verse of the Week: “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” Hebrews 13:15, NLT