Doing Things Out Of Habit Not Worship

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

“ … he (Paul) took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat.” – Acts 27:35

“ … foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” – 1 Timothy 4:3-5

There are aspects of our faith that can easily become rituals – things we do that have a spiritual root, but lack spiritual sincerity. Praying before a meal is one of those things. Instead of being something that you get to do – giving thanks to God for His provision – it becomes something that you have to do – because that is what you do before you eat.  We teach our children to pray but it can become something like saying please and thankyou or not chew with your mouth open. It is a rule and not an act of worship

This is the day that our country celebrates Thanksgiving – and yet this country, on the whole, does not worship the God that was being thanked. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. Think about that – people of different cultures coming together to give thanks. This holiday – has been commercialized and diluted to a secular event. The major events are parades, sports and the pardoning on a truly by the President – heard God mentioned yet? Me neither.

We make it a point to pray before our meals – even when we are in a restaurant.  A curious thing – perhaps alarming – for some reason people never pray before they eat the appetizers – but wait until the meal is served. It is as if appetizers are exempt. Ritual – not worship.  I think it is important to express our faith whenever we are given the opportunity. Praying in public is one of those ways.  You might be surprised to discover that there are other Christians in the restaurant with you but they are intimidated and choose not to pray.

I was thinking about a practice that has fallen into disuse. We used to ask the server if they would like to pray with us. If they did, I would ask them if there was something they would like us to pray about.  There was one restaurant in particular when the server said, “I know what you want to do!”, meaning that she knew about our praying with the servers. As I said, we have not done that for some time – I am thinking that we need to revive the practice. 

My encouragement is that you be mindful of what you do and why you do it. Don’t let prayer become something that you have to do – but something that you get to do. Thank God for His provision – for your daily bread. Be spiritually aware at all times. Realize that you can glorify God – even in a restaurant. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone