What do you picture when you hear the word “worship”? Kneeling prayers, sacrament meetings, and temple visits are just a few examples that might come to mind.
Although we typically associate this concept with time-bound, formal actions, honoring God becomes more meaningful when we embrace worship as a lifestyle rather than just a checklist. As Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught in the most recent general conference:
“Ultimately, how we live may be the best, most genuine form of worship. Showing our devotion means emulating the Father and the Son—cultivating Their attributes and character in ourselves.” (emphasis added)
Inspired by this definition, here are two ways we can worship God by how we live.
1. Create Beauty
We can worship God by emulating His role as Creator. And while the world might confine creativity to artistic spheres like painting or writing, there are limitless ways to create beauty around us in our homes, wards, workplaces, and even daily interactions.
My grandfather Norman Tolk is a living example of this principle. As an atomic physicist researching quantum information science, he believes that realms like science, art, and faith don’t need to be separated. He prioritizes creating beauty around him by conducting both scientific research and choral music and brightening others’ days with genuine conversations and quick-witted jokes. He believes we all have the divine ability to create beauty in our daily lives, no matter our backgrounds or circumstances.
“I am a man of faith, and I’m also a scientist, and to many people, that may appear to be an inherent conflict,” he says. “But it’s not. My faith is the source of inspiration. It’s a source of energy. It unifies our knowledge of where we are and who we are. I’ve had the opportunity to develop certain directions and talents that I think I would not have done without the influence of God [and] the influence of my faith.”
2. Help Someone Feel Loved
Another way we can worship God throughout our lives is by helping others feel loved. This is one of the best gifts we can give our Heavenly Father because when we show love to His children, we show our love for Him (see Matthew 25:37–40 and Mosiah 2:17).
I’ve learned more about this principle while my sister has served a full-time mission. Although my family can’t be with her physically during this time, countless ward members, companions, and mission leaders have shared meals, encouragement, and love while she is away from home.
These gestures have felt invaluable to my family. For example, we learned that after my sister heard the news of a recent death in our extended family, a member family in her area comforted her. We are eternally grateful to these individuals for opening their home to our sweet missionary and helping her feel loved during a difficult moment.
Similarly, we can worship God by being willing to serve as His hands on the earth until He is reunited with His children someday.
Live Like His Son
Ultimately, we can best worship God by striving to live like Jesus Christ. When we follow Him and His teachings, we naturally honor God and His creations as well.
As a beloved Primary song teaches:
“What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?
Have faith, have hope, live like His Son, help others on their way.
What does He ask? Live like His Son.”
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