All we do IS worship

My SOAP devotional for 9/8

S - Revelation 4:6b-8
"...In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."

O - This verse also correlates to visions in Ezekiel of the same 4 creatures, or cherubim. They seem to be guardians for the throne since they are covered with eyes, watching and observing. Their continuous praise accompanies their presence at the throne. It could be assumed that they are angels, with the purpose to worship and be examples for the reverence required not only in the Lord's presence but at all times. Others have done studies on these 4 creatures and how they relate to the 4 sides of our personalities, God's creation in His image. I find it so fascinating the emphasis on how they worship and give praise.

A - We were made to worship. We are created in God's image. The Lion is the goal-driven strength, the Ox is the diligent persistent worker, the Man is the creative, thinking creator, and the Eagle is flying overhead, looking at the big picture, introspective and yet powerfully wise. This is God in one, and we too have been given these qualities in varying degrees. We were created to do good works and yet with all the time we spend getting caught up in analyzing what we should do and how we should do it, we forget that ALL of it is worship. It all comes back to Romans 12:1 that says, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." We must stop, and worship and we must DO while being mindful of our work as worship. It is all for the purpose of bringing glory to God.

P - Lord God, make me ever mindful of looking, and seeing, and doing, keeping my eyes on you, that in all things I would be at worship. Bless all my work for your glory. Steer me back on track when I focus too much on my "gifts and abilities" that you have given me, and forget that I can only do through YOUR strength and power, making myself pause to remember that I am acting on YOUR behalf. Amen.