"Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship." –Romans 12:1
The neighborhood gang gathered to play ball at the park and a new guy showed up. Everyone brought their usual stuff: Tom brought the favorite bat, Jimmy his bases, Alex had a cooler of water and cups, Derek had extra gloves. Joe, the new guy, had nothing. Tom asked him, “You wanna play?”
Joe replied, “Sure.”
Tom then asked, “What do you got to play with?” Joe walked away dejected.
In Romans 12, Paul pleaded with the people to offer themselves to the Lord. Too many times we think we need to give God something. Paul urged the Roman people, in view of all God had done for them, to simply present their bodies back to the Lord for His glory and honor.
Derek ran after Joe. “Listen man, you don’t need anything, come on and play, we just need you.” Joe smiled big and ran back to join the game.
In order to live for Christ each day, we must give our entire bodies to Him for His purposes. All our time, desires, and behaviors will belong to Him. We are called to be a living and holy sacrifice. We are not required to bring anything else along, but to deny our own selfish desires to follow God.
1. Do you ever feel like you are not good enough for Christ as you are?
2. What does it mean to present your body to God?
3. Daily, how can you offer 100 percent of your time, talent, and treasure to the One who entrusted it to you?
Luke 9:23; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:1-3
Lord, thank You for being the ultimate sacrifice for me. Today I choose to offer all of myself as a living sacrifice. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would guide me in all I do. Amen.