Everything is holy!

Make those 'ordinary' things holy! Every part of the Tabernacle was holy, not just the impressive parts, but every little thing. (Exodus 40:9) If we are truly a temple built of living stones, we are all marked as holy, set apart for the Almighty's exclusive use. (Ephesians 1:13) How can you make cleaning, shopping, work and study holy? Sometimes we think of holiness in terms of what we avoid doing. Instead, begin to think more positively in terms of what you do.

Make everything holy

Even the things that give us the greatest pleasure can be enjoyed in his presence, with his blessing
and in gratitude. Sometimes we regard these things as worldly, and of course they can be if we misuse them. But they can (and should) also be brought into the place of holiness, part of the kingdom. Think of nothing as apart from him.

Worship is much more than singing songs and praising the Lord, it's also a matter of obedience. Worship is living lives that honour Jesus, it's gratefully offering our world back to him. As you read the Bible pay attention to what constitutes worship and allow that learning to reshape how you define and practice worship.

In particular consider the everyday. How do you love the Lord, the creation, and other people (how do you treat them), consider your obedience, are you willing to spend time in Jesus' company?

Not only should Jesus be at the very centre of our lives, he should also not have to share that place with anyone or anything else.

Discuss – Do you reserve certain activities for use only in church? What are they? They might include prayer, worship and communion; is it possible to take these activities out into society? If not, why not? If so how?

Jesus alone

We need to avoid the common idea that we have two lives. There's the life we live in church and the life we live at work and in our free time. One life for Sunday mornings and perhaps a mid-week evening meeting, and another life for the rest of the week. One life with Christians, another life for worldly people. One life following Jesus, another life following our own desires and needs. (Matthew 6:24, Luke 9:57-62)

Partial overlap

Recognise that it's necessary to see things very differently. All of life comes under Jesus' direction.

Discuss – How might you restructure your life around Jesus? Are there things in life that are more important to you than Jesus? Career? Financial security? A nice home? The latest in home entertainment?

Becoming disciples

This second forgotten way is about revealing Jesus to the people around us by becoming more and more like him. (John 13:34-35) It demands a lifetime of challenge and we must grapple with it every single day.