I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 KJV
In many ways we all have been in a position when we unselfishly give of ourselves.
We don’t find it hard to serve or be helpful to others.
When the sacrifice is given from the heart, it leads to greater fulfillment and brings happiness to our lives.
The Apostle Paul entered a church in Rome and was telling all Christian believers what it meant to be a “living sacrifice”.
How we are to be willing to offer ourselves to God and live according to the purposes He has for our lives.
That we are to give our entire body (v.1), as well as transform our inner man (v.2).
We are to be set apart and live holy for the purpose of serving the Lord.
He had hopes that they would show the same love that the Lord showed them.
To show this same love to each other.
It was a very powerful appeal. One that could not be ignored.
He was speaking to each person when he said, for them, “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (v.3).
That when they had disagreements, to lay down their pride remembering that “we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another” (v.5).
He desired that they show sacrificial love to each other.
Daily we receive the fruits of mercy from the Lord.
Fruits that allow us to render ourselves to Him and serve others.
A change that renews our minds and souls.
We die to sin, not living in the ways of those who walk in the ways of flesh but live to show the righteousness of Christ.
The Lord had humbled Himself for us and desires us to do the same for others.
It is a renewing work being performed in each of us until it is perfected in glory.
Until then we are to remain living sacrifices that honors God.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Lord, we know that the work of the Holy Ghost first begins with our understanding that we are to be a living sacrifice for the kingdom. That just like You humbled Yourself and laid down Your life for us that we might live, we can do the same by changing our lives to take on Your likeness. A change that will grant us knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. May we never forget we have received the greatest gifts of life because of Your sacrifice. We want to please You and serve others in Your name. Thank You for giving us the guidance that we need.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen