Event - an occurrence that is sharply localized at a single point in space and instance of time.
Lifestyle - the habits, attitudes, tastes, moral standards, economic level, etc. that together constitute the mode of living of an individual or group "Worship is not an event; it is a lifestyle" became my philosophy for ministry in early 2002. Long story short, the church I was serving was having difficulties, and my ministry was coming to an end there. Mandy's dad was diagnosed with pancreatitis and spent over 6 months in the hospital. The final straw was when I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. In these dark months, God placed a dear brother in my life. He told me that I would come through this like gold. I remember thinking, how arrogant of him to say that to me. I did not have the ability to see that God was refining my life. I continued to go to church but was miserable Sunday after Sunday. I did not obtain any satisfaction from the services. Even worse, God seemed to be silent. I shared all these things with Bro. Allen. I could not get hold of the circumstances. He replied with a life changing statement, "Worship is not an event; it's a lifestyle." The ax fell. I had been throwing the world's biggest pity party Monday through Saturday, and then I expected to go to "worship" and showers of blessings to fall. In my hour of discouragement, I had completely lost my focus. I'm thankful to say that now I have regained perspective. Now, I wish I could say that I am perfect and I walk in sunshine all week long and heaven comes down every day in my life. I can't say that, but now I live with the perspective that I do not have to wait till Sunday to get it all straightened out. I'm going to walk and talk with Jesus, and Sunday I'm going to celebrate what He has allowed me to experience all week long. Where are you when it comes to worship? Is Sunday the first and last time God crosses your mind? I hope it is simply the first day of seven you offer totally to Jesus. If you allow your happiness to depend on your happenings, you will spend life totally discontented. However, if you will recognize that every second of our existence is a gift and our circumstances are ultimately for our good, worshiping God will be your lifestyle.
