Living a Life That Honors God Every Day
Every person worships something. For some, it’s success, approval, or comfort. For others, it’s God—the One who deserves our highest devotion. But our actions reveal who or what we truly worship.
In Luke 7:36–50, Jesus contrasts two people: Simon the Pharisee and an unnamed sinful woman. One offered formality; the other offered her heart. Their encounter shows what real worship looks like.
Worship Reveals What We Value
Simon welcomed Jesus into his home but not into his heart. He offered no water, no greeting, no oil. The woman, by contrast, knelt in tears and poured costly perfume on His feet. Her worship cost her something precious—and she gave it willingly.
True worship always costs something—our pride, our comfort, our control. It means choosing God’s priorities over our own.
“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 NIV)
Real worship isn’t limited to Sunday; it’s the daily offering of your time, energy, and obedience for God’s glory.
Worship Springs from Gratitude
The woman didn’t come to earn forgiveness—she came because she had been forgiven. Her tears flowed from gratitude, not obligation. Simon’s pride revealed blindness to his own need for grace.
“Whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:47 NIV)
Gratitude deepens love, and love deepens worship. When you remember what Christ has done, obedience becomes joy, not duty.
Worship Is Proven Through Obedience
This woman risked ridicule to honor Jesus openly. Her actions were bold, public, and personal. Real worship expresses itself in obedience—through integrity, service, generosity, and forgiveness.
Reflection Challenge:
What would it look like to give something truly costly to God—your time, comfort, or savings—for His purposes? Would your words and actions convict you of being a follower of Jesus?
The Wisdom of Worshiping Well
Simon had knowledge; the woman had wisdom. Knowledge knows about God; wisdom bows before Him. Worship and wisdom walk together—one leading to the other.
When God is truly at the center, obedience becomes natural and peace follows surrender.
Living a Life That Honors God Every Day
We were made to worship—not just in song, but in every decision and conversation. Worship means giving God your best thoughts, your best efforts, and your best love.
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV)
Choosing honesty at work, forgiveness in conflict, or generosity toward someone in need—each is an act of worship. A worshiping heart turns ordinary life into sacred ground.
Worship Is Our Response to Grace
The woman left forgiven and free. Simon left unchanged. The difference wasn’t position or respectability—it was heart posture.
We were created to worship. When our hearts overflow with love for Christ, obedience becomes our natural response. Let your life proclaim what your lips profess: Jesus is Lord, and He alone is worthy of your worship.
Next Week
“The Potter and the Clay — Are You Clay in the Hands of the Potter?”
Until next time—get wisdom and pursue truth.
Steve