I pulled out the cast iron skillet to prepare dinner and bemoaned the fact that this simple mundane task was interrupting my very important spiritual work for the Lord. Then it hit me (or rather the Holy Spirit convicted me). Haven’t I learned this already? Haven’t I read books and articles (and Scripture!) encouraging me and reminding me that everything I do as a believer is important spiritual work bringing glory to God? 

John Piper says in his book, Let the Nations Be Glad, “…. the essential, vital, indispensable, defining heart of worship is the experience of being satisfied with God. And the reason this worship pervades all of life is that all Christian behavior is properly motivated by a thirst for more and more satisfaction in God.” 

Grumbling and complaining is a sign that I am not completely satisfied with God. And if I am not satisfied with God, how can my life be a “living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is (my) spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1)? If, as Piper explains, worship pervades all my life, then preparing dinner is worshipping God. With my heart fully satisfied in God, I can pull out the skillet and simmer a meal to His glory. And I can also study the Bible or counsel a church member to the glory of God.

As global workers, we have gone out into the world for the purpose of drawing others into worshipping God. My favorite quote from Let the Nations Be Glad is, “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” With hearts wholly devoted and satisfied in God through “spirit and truth” (John 4:23), our everyday moments are worship to Him. So, whether we are leading a Bible study, cooking dinner, learning a new language, or walking the dog, everything we do can be worship to Him and bring Him glory, inviting others to want the same. 

So, the next time I complain about a task, I pray the Spirit sets my heart right, transforming my task into worshipping God.