Wrecked

So I'm reading The Dangerous Act of Worship by Mark Labberton and I come across this.

“The world is meant to see and know something about God through the lives and actions of faithful worshippers. As we live out, carry forth, and demonstrate in character and action the life of the One we worship, they see God.”

What does it mean to “live out, carry forth, and demonstrate the life of the one we worship?”

Earlier in the book Labberton cites a passage in Isaiah where God is decrying the worship of His people. He denounces the new moon festivals and Sabbath observations. These very holy days He required according to the Law, and the people of Israel followed through. But there was an element they left out.

“‘Quit your worship charades. I can't stand your trivial religious games: Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings— meetings, meetings, meetings—I can't stand one more! Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them! You've worn me out! I'm sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning. When you put on your next prayer-performance, I'll be looking the other way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I'll not be listening. And do you know why? Because you've been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody. Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don't have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless.” (Isaiah 1:13-17 MSG)

And there it is. YHWH himself has told them to leave their worship, go home, and clean up. It appears that part of that washing includes doing justice.

Justice is a broadly defined term these days, but for me, today, as I'm reading this book, it means caring for the poor and marginalized, the orphan and widow in distress.

How much of my Sunday morning spills over to the rest of the week through doing justice? What does that even mean in this day and age? What must I do to show forth His ways and put aside my own?

Big broad ideals that are nothing more than mere platitudes unless I actually do something about it.

In all of this, the challenge to my heart is simple...unless I am also showing forth the character of my Heavenly Father I dare not call my Sunday experience worship.