Running the Race—Part 7: Worship

This week’s theme for running the race of life is worship. Worship is all about glory. Many times, runners in a race are not only striving for a prize … they are longing for the “glory” of winning the race. If the race is important, a victory may even result in fame, headlines, and magazine articles.

Likewise, in the race of life, we may long to receive accolades for our achievements … to be lifted up and glorified above our peers. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be the best we can be or to enjoy the appreciation of others. The problem comes when pride takes over and we are seeking glory for ourselves. In all things, we must remember that the glory belongs to God. Anything we can accomplish is a gift from His hand. 2 Corinthians 2:5 reminds us that our sufficiency comes from God, not ourselves. We looked at this a couple of weeks ago, with the theme, empowered.

Today, we remember the importance of giving God the glory due Him. Psalm 29:2 (and 1 Chr. 16:29) reminds us of our duty:

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.

If we are regularly giving God the glory due Him, we will be less likely to claim His glory for ourselves. Our lives should be characterized by worship. If something good happens, thank God for it. If times are tough, thank Him that He is still on the throne. When someone gives you praise for something you did, graciously accept, and thank God for enabling you. If you see a beautiful sight, praise God for His creative genius.

In all things, give God the first place in your life. Live a life of worship. Run the race so that He might be glorified. And, never forget to “ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name!”

In His grip,
Pastor Decker