LIVING SACRIFICE
Richard Harris
Today’s Scripture: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1, ESV
Theme: Become a living sacrifice as an ongoing act of worship. This is only done by God’s mercies.
GIVING YOURSELF
What sacrifices have you made in this life because of your relationship with Jesus? Obviously, these are considered living sacrifices since you are here to answer. Where have you sacrificed time, talent and resources to unconditionally help others and for their good? Parents, grandparents, spouses… what have you given up to support loved ones in your life? Some may have been minor sacrifices; some large and life-changing … all out of the spirit of true love. Sacrificing your negative habits, self-doubt, procrastination, and addictions may not have been easy, but when the sacrifice is made to honor God and for the good of yourself, and others, they were the best living sacrifices!
TRANSFORMATION
This is what the apostle Paul is urging to the Roman Christians… Present yourself as a living sacrifice to God. This is an ongoing act of love and worship. God’s mercies await us. So, what is Paul asking of us? To take our everyday and ordinary lives and place them before God as an offering… to be living sacrifices to Him. He states that we must give up searching for what we want from this life and learn to know what God wants. So, what does God want?
In reading through Romans, I sense God calling me to transform in the following ways:
- Be transformed by His truth.
- Be realistic and know my limitations.
- Use my gifts to honor Him and transform others.
- Give sincere love and hate evil.
- Work hard in serving Him.
- Rejoice in hope and pray.
- Help those in need.
- Humbly display sympathy to all.
- Take the high road and overcome evil with good.
I find that every one of these offerings to God is part of becoming a living sacrifice. Integrate worship with your everyday life. Seek God’s gift of eternal life by becoming a living sacrifice to His glory. His sacrifice of His Son proved His love for us by offering Him as both a living sacrifice and an atoning sacrifice.
Make It Personal: I admit, that - as a growing Christian (yes… even at the age of seventy-seven) - I am a work in progress, as I am endeavoring to live this life as Paul prescribes and God commands. Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice means the entire body. My feet are His. Where are they taking me? Feet allow us to be well-balanced, moving forward to walk in His way. My tongue, which goes down to the well of my heart, shall filter everything through the Word of God. My eyes and ears help me perceive the blessings of this world so that I may share them with others. My mouth and lips are His, used to encourage others, as I learn to love and respect all. When I offer myself as a living sacrifice, I see a glorious transformation in my life. How about you? Praise be to God.
Pray: Lord, Father, we ask that You mercifully help us read and carry out Your Word with an open and transformed heart. Help us as we move towards becoming a living sacrifice that emulates Your Son, our Savior. We endeavor to know Your will and live Your way as we pursue the promise of eternal life through Christ Jesus, our Savior, who was sacrificed for our sins. Amen.
Read: Romans 12:1-8
Weekly Memory Verse: “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Romans 12:9, ESV