“Worship the Lord thy God”

Understand the Importance of Worshipping God

… for God said unto me: Worship God, for him only shalt thou serve.
~ Moses 1:15 ~

To worship the Lord is to put first in our lives the things of his kingdom, to live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God, to center our whole hearts upon Christ and that salvation which comes because of him.
~ Bruce R. McConkie – How to Worship; October 1971 General Conference ~

In Word: An opportunity finally presented itself for me to attend a local community college. Faced with a permanent loss of employment – I was able to receive funding and help to attain a 2 year degree. During my time attending classes – I happened to become acquainted with two gentleman. One was a minister within a local Christian Church. Another was a devout Muslim. The three of us typically sat together during some of the classes. Overtime I observed the one gentleman disappear and then come back into class. Curious, I inquired of him as to the reason for his absence. He replied that as a Muslim, he is devoted to praying five times a day. I remarked that I sometimes have a difficult time praying at least twice a day. His devotion to seek guidance, counsel, and engage in prayer reminded me of how oft the Leaders of our faith encourage and stress the importance of praying. To worship God, our Heavenly Father.

Throughout the Old Testament, we discover how devout individuals were to worshipping God. It is the foremost commandment weaved in the scriptures. And it is the wisdom and insight that Moses received from God. When the adversary came to challenge Moses, desiring Moses to worship him, the great patriarch refused to bend knee. Instead, Moses declared the truth that he was to worship and serve God only (Moses 1:12-23). And this worship comes by calling upon the name of God through Jesus Christ.

In Deed: We are to give unto God our best. What is the best that we are to give unto our Heavenly Father? Is it our time? Our talents? Our devotion to missionary work and serving others? Are we to give unto Him our tithes and offerings? These all are important aspects of quality discipline and sweet devotion. Yet any one is capable of doing those things and yet not truly worshiping God. The requirement of religious worship in Ancient Israel was that of bringing forth the firstlings of one’s flock. Today, our religious worship requires something more. It requires our sincere reverence and gratitude. It is a sacrifice of our own self and will. Such sacrifice comes when we call upon God, through Jesus Christ on a daily basis. How do we face temptation? Call upon the name of God and seek His righteousness. How do we overcome doubt? Call upon God to reveal unto us our divine heritage, purpose in this life, and remind us of our divine destiny. All we are able to give back in return is our entire life and devotion to Him. And it begins with our ability to discipline ourselves to daily prayer and meditation. To seek first the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 6:33).

Take a Moment and Ponder: Have you ever considered the cost of following Christ? what it truly means to walk in obedience to our Heavenly Father’s will? As we ponder Moses 1:12-23, how do we see ourselves when faced with temptation? Do we stand confident and assured in knowing who we are through Christ? The adversary is described as a roaring lion … seeketh whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8-12). Consider the following questions:

• Have I given over to serving something other than God in my life?
• What doubts keep me from true worship?
• What does God desire of me to begin seeking His kingdom?
• How will I begin disciplining myself to daily prayer and meditation in order to seek and call upon God?

Developing a devoted prayer life is one that most struggle with. And yet is the anchor to seeking personal revelation, wisdom, and inspiration. Through prayer and meditation, we come to know God’s will and desire for our lives. We grow intimately with our fellowship with him. It is in those quiet moments of thoughtful prayer and meditation where we hear the Holy Spirit.

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