Even though our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us, He is not an autocrat who goes about making changes in our lives as it suits Him. If a particular life-change is necessary we must first petition and permit God to make the change. God has set a boundary for Himself in our relationship with Him that ensures our free will can never be violated. Yes, at any time we can say “no” to God (if you are foolish enough to do so).

Each of us is able to recall at least one favourite hymn or chorus that holds special meaning for us that impacted our lives in one or more ways. Many years ago, during a regular worship service the Holy Spirit ministered to me through the chorus “Lord, make me an instrument”. He helped me to see how my life can be worshipful and pleasing to God, if I was willing. “Lord, make me an instrument” is an easy chorus to understand and sing. It is more than a nice song! Its petition is head-and-heart crafted. Sincere and purposeful, the lyrics call upon God to do something in particular with the life/lives of the petitioner/s. Are you familiar with this chorus?

Verse 1: Lord, make me an instrument, an instrument of worship. I lift up my hands in Your name. Lord, make me an instrument, an instrument of worship. I lift up my hands in Your name.

Verse 2: Lord, make us a symphony, a symphony of worship. We lift up our hands in Your name. Lord, make us a symphony, a symphony of worship. We lift up our hands in Your name. 

Verse 3: Lord, play now a love song, a love song of worship. We lift up our hands in Your name. Lord, play now a love song, a love song of worship. We lift up our hands in Your name.

The petition is simple and clear. Beginning with an individual believer petitioning God to “make me an instrument” of worship, the chorus progresses to involve all believers together, petitioning God to “make us a symphony”of worship. That’s not the end — The petition culminates with the request…“Lord, play now a love song,a love song of worship“.

Friends, the purpose of our redeemed lives goes far beyond singing songs and gifting money to God’s work at church on Sundays until the day we are “beamed up to Heaven”. Our individual lives are intended to be God’s special “instruments” of worship (together, a “symphony” of worship), through life-long service to Him. Believers are saved to serve, not sing! As God’s instruments, the dedication of our lives to Him, regardless of the simplicity of service performed, become “top of the chart” love songs of worship that honor Him.

Okay, what do we need to do for God to make us “instruments of worship”? Firstly, daily, we need to “present” our lives to Him… our whole lives in His hands! Secondly, we need to “permit” Him to tune us, His instruments… giving Him the go-ahead to do whatever needs to be done, whenever, so that our lives may “play now a love song of worship”. Yes… “self” must die, and every gram of filth must be confessed and cleansed. Hypocrisy and compromise must end. We must live with a constant hunger for His truth, and we must foster an attitude of worship that motivates joyous, righteous service. In short, our lives must increasingly reflect the likeness of Christ (Rom. 8:29). 

The writer of the Book of Romans says… And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (12:1-2).

Friends, I have tasted the sweet blessedness that comes from petitioning God with the prayer… “Lord, make me an instrument of worship. I present my life to You and permit You to make whatever changes are necessary so that my life and service may ‘play now a love song of worship’ to You. Amen.”

Best wishes
Bill