As I studied Romans 12:1-3 it occurred to me that many Christians may want to be a living sacrifice but fall short just because of their own perception or what they are taught.
I want to dissect these verses and hopefully with a renewed sense of awareness we can all grow in the unity of the faith.
We all have to be decisive; putting an end to controversy in our lives and our speech without hesitation commanding our flesh and minds to do the will of GOD. In this we prove to ourselves GOD’s grace and mercy in and on our lives.
We all know how to dedicate ourselves to someone or something, we do it daily, never giving it much thought.
It’s no different to dedicate ourselves to GOD who has been very merciful towards us. After we were born-again GOD HIMSELF consecrated us to HIMSELF. HE set us apart from those who do not believe on HIS SON, JESUS the CHRIST. We are asked to become living sacrifices to GOD. JESUS is our living sacrifice prior to HIS crucifixion. JESUS also was our sacrifice on the cross. How many of us would be willing to be sentenced to death for a crime that we did not commit. Today those who are found guilty and sentenced to death fight to the end on appeals, but not JESUS.
We must dedicate our thoughts (mind); our eyes; our ears; our mouth; our limbs and the core of our body to GOD. It’s not some parts that will go to heaven or hell but the entire being. It’s not enough to get our bodies in line with the Word of GOD and not our thoughts. After all it’s the mind that is the playground for the enemy.
Is there any reason why we should not offer our bodies as living sacrifices? Doesn’t it make sense to do this act of love once we believe and realize that this is a small thing to do for all that JESUS has done for us. The more that we sacrifice our bodies to GOD, the more recognizable HIS mercy toward us is. We will obtain and see the goodness that HE will lavish upon us. This act shows that we have good understanding; the ability to comprehend and good judgment. In other word we are intelligent.
We have become closely akin to GOD’s will; purpose and outlook. Because we are abiding in HIM. We have a reverent honor and homage that is to be given to GOD that will come from our living sacrifice.
Now because of this we are not to become high browed and think that we have arrived because we have not. We are still human with a propensity to fall. It’s just that in our falling and without shame we are quicker to get up and dust ourselves off asking GOD to forgive us. Know your abilities don’t speak or do more than you are equipped to do. We are all in the body of CHRIST with gifts to help build the kingdom. One person will not get it done. Pay it forward help our less mature brothers and sisters in CHRIST to grow and speak as well as show the lost that we are different. We want those that are lost to come and ask “Why are we the way we are?” and it be in a good way.