Countless people have come to Jesus and worshiped him since his birth just over 2,000 years ago, beginning with the shepherds and wise men.

This morning, I read a part of  Psalm 135 that felt as though I’ve never read before, with a new thought on what it means to worship Jesus. I love how Scripture comes to life as we read it again over time! Join me in reading it:

The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
    the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak;
    they have eyes, but do not see;
they have ears, but do not hear,
    nor is there any breath in their mouths.
Those who make them become like them,
    so do all who trust in them.

~ Psalm 135: 15-18 ESV

What is worship? Worship involves what we set our hearts on, what we desire, what we think about, and what we pursue – with our time, money, energy, relationships, and abilities. It sets something as high priority in our lives.

Worship sets the pace for movement and direction in our lives. God created us to worship Him, and if we don’t worship Him we will end up worshiping something else.

The irony is that what is true of the thing worshiped becomes true of the worshipper.  Whatever we choose to worship has a great impact on who we become. This is worth serious consideration!

The worshipper of the idol becomes like the idol.

The worshipper of people becomes like the people they want to please.

The worshipper of acquisition and possessions will be driven to gain and protect them.

The worshipper of money or position or pleasure will find their life identified by that desire.

The worshipper of Jesus becomes like Jesus.

As we worship Jesus, all other things are put in the proper places in our lives. People, possessions, and pleasure can fill the role they were created to fill, rather than controlling us. Jesus frees us from our idols. He heals our hearts and grows us to become more like himself.

This Christmas, I am so thankful for Jesus, the Word become flesh to dwell among us.  Unlike the idols in the passage above, he revealed himself as God-with-us as he lived, breathed, listened, spoke, and did the will and work of God.

 

As you have come to know Jesus, how has he made you more like him? What other things vie for your worship? How will you draw near to Jesus and let him free you?

 

Kathryn Featherstone is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and a board-certified Christian Life Coach. She’d like to encourage you in your journey! Write her a note or see her Coaching page.