Today’s Scripture: Romans 12:1, NIV- “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
In the easier to say than do category, we must get over ourselves and offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God. We are a bundle of emotions, desires, and habits. Worship takes on many forms, yet Paul tells us in Romans 12:1 that the true and proper worship is to give ourselves to God.
We must sacrifice who we are in the flesh and welcome the will and Spirit of God to consume us. As Romans 12:2 instructs us “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (NKJV)
How do we prove God’s goodness? We must first be honest with ourselves. As Paul says in Romans 12:3 we must have sober judgment and not think of ourselves too highly. We must give ourselves up and have as much faith as God has given us.
Not only are we not to conform but we also not to compare ourselves with others. Romans 12:4 points out that each of us have our own function. As Romans 12:5 reminds us “so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” (NLT)
Continuing in Romans 12:6-8 we are encouraged to know that “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” (NLT)
Romans 12:9 tells us, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” (NLT) This is not easy in a world full of evil that is screaming and protesting for us to fall back in line and conform. As Romans 12:11 implores us it takes action on our part “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” (NLT)
The “work” of humankind and the “work” of God are diametrically opposed. To do more we must do less of what comes natural to us. We serve the Lord best by simply giving ourselves to Him and doing the transformative works of His Spirit.
The kindness and love we are to show to everyone, even those we view as evil, is contrary to our nature. As Romans 12:21 instructs us “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (NKJV)
I confess that I cannot overcome evil with good without God. I must not be lazy about offering myself as a living sacrifice to God. I still feel anger towards what I perceive as evil, but this is proof that I need God.
Matthew 6:33 tells us that our work is to “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” When we do seek the Kingdom of God, we do find joy instead of hate.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 we find the formula for transformation. Paul told us to always be joyful, never stop praying, and to always be thankful. When we find ourselves conforming to the hatred of this world we can stop and pray and be transformed to do God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.
Will you sacrifice your understanding and feelings to find God’s will?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word and Your will for us. Please draw my heart, mind, and soul to Your Spirit when I am faced with my humanity. Forgive me LORD for when I conform. Transform me LORD to do Your will. Amen.
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