Music by way of singing and playing instruments is just a small fraction of the true essence of worship. More than that, worship is about living a lifestyle that pleases and honours God.
This is not to discredit singing praise and worship songs to God because that also plays a vital role in the life of a believer.
But worship goes beyond the songs that we sing. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
God's glory is to be the end goal of anything and everything that we do. You can worship God even when we don't have a guitar or access to your worship playlist on iTunes.
Here are four ways of worshipping God, aside from singing songs.
1. Giving
Money has a handful of great purposes. One of them is the function of bringing glory to God. Contrary to popular belief, money isn't evil. We need money, but the love of money can get in the way. That's because money was meant to highlight our love for God, not for material possessions. One way we do that is by exercising generous giving. When we give to the church, the poor or to a brother or sister with the right attitude, we give glory and honour to God.
2. Stewardship
It's not just in giving away money and possessions that we worship God. It's also in the way we make use of money for personal needs. Stewardship is simply applying wisdom, gratefulness and godly character to the way we use our resources. When we steward our money, time and other resources well, we worship God through it.
3. Work
A vocation goes beyond just a means to provide and put food on a table. We can work as a form of worship to God. This happens when we do things excellently and with an attitude that goes with Deuteronomy 8:18: "You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day."
4. Service to Others
When we serve others through ministry or simply by just extending a helping hand, we give God glory through our lives. The second greatest command is a call to love, serve and build relationship with others.
Are our relationships a form of worship to God? When it becomes more about giving and serving than taking, then we honour God in worship through our relationships.
