Embracing Small Steps for Lasting Transformation
In a world where instant gratification reigns supreme, we often find ourselves seeking immediate results in various aspects of our lives. This desire for rapid change also enters our spiritual journey, as we may yearn for sudden and awe-inspiring moments in our worship experiences. However, as we explore the concept of incremental worship, we’ll uncover the transformative power hidden within the sphere of gradual, faithful pursuit of God.
The Mirage of Quick Transformations:
Think about the way we approach gym workouts or new diets. It’s not uncommon to look in the mirror after the first session or the first day of dieting, expecting a significant transformation to have already occurred. This tendency to anticipate rapid and dramatic change can lead to frustration and even giving up on our goals. We’re all familiar with the feeling of disappointment when reality doesn’t match our lofty expectations.
The Joy of Milestones and Faithful Discipline:
Yes, there are days when we experience euphoria after reaching a long-sought-after milestone or when unexpected surprises bring us incredible joy. However, these instances are the exceptions rather than the rule. Most of our journey is made up of consistent, disciplined efforts that shape us over time. Just as a potter carefully molds clay (Jeremiah 18), so does God, with infinite patience, work on us through regular, practical encounters.
The Promise of Completion:
Scripture assures us that God, who initiated a good work in us, will complete it (Psalm 138:8; Philippians 1:6). This promise reflects a reality that often differs from our expectations. We want to experience God on our terms. We may anticipate grand, mountain-moving interventions, only to find God’s transformative work is often subtle and quiet—much like a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13).
Everyday Worship
Incremental worship isn’t about fireworks or dramatic displays. Instead, it’s about the consistent, quiet moments where God’s Word and presence shape our lives over an extended period. The devotion to daily Scripture reading and spiritual disciplines gradually reshapes our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Just as Joshua was instructed to meditate on God’s law day and night (Joshua 1:8), we are also called to immerse ourselves in God’s Word and pursue godliness (1 Tim 4:7) for lasting transformation.
Long-Term Growth That Leads to Occasional Miracles:
While we read about extraordinary miracles in the Bible—such as the parting of the Red Sea (Ex 14), the Shekinah Glory (2 Chron 7), and Pentecost (Acts 2)—these events are the culmination of God’s work over extended periods. They are landmarks in a larger undercurrent of God’s faithful workings.
The Blame Game and False Assumptions:
It’s easy to point fingers or make incorrect assumptions when we don’t experience dramatic encounters with God. The inability to consistently experience such euphoric encounters might lead to blame-shifting within the ministry. The blame game—whether directed at leaders’ competency or the congregation’s responsiveness—often misses the bigger picture. The parable of the sower and the seed (Mark 4:1-20) reminds us that different hearts respond differently to God’s Word. Zechariah 7:11-12 highlights the danger of hard hearts that resist change. Real change rarely happens overnight. It’s the cumulative effect of consistent engagement with God’s presence and Word. Real spiritual transformation requires showing up – just as it does in every area of life.
The Slow Cooker vs. the Microwave:
Consider the analogy of cooking food. A slow cooker heats up gradually, retaining warmth for an extended time. On the other hand, a microwave warms quickly but cools down just as rapidly. Just like Niagara Falls began as a small stream that became one of the world’s wonders, incremental worship gradually transforms us into vessels of greater glory.
Conclusion: Pursuing Lasting Change:
As ministry leaders, pastors, or everyday believers, it’s natural to desire profound encounters with God. But let’s not overlook the transformative potential of everyday incremental worship. Moses may not have realized how his burning bush encounter with God shaped him (Exodus 3:1-15), yet its effects were undeniable to those who saw God’s glory shine from him. As we examine ourselves and continue faithfully, let’s remember that true change is a journey, not a destination. In the end, it’s the unwavering pursuit of God’s presence that leads to the undeniable change of incremental worship.
Action Step: Immerse yourself in the subtle, steady transformation that comes from embracing incremental worship and its power to shape your heart and soul over time. Discover how even the smallest steps can lead to monumental change in your worship experience and relationship with God. (Psalm 138:8, Phil 1:6)
Josh Cehulik 