Hello Beloved,
Today we will discuss a passage of scripture that has everything to do with what truly pleases God the Father. Many Christians believe it is hard to live holy. They say it is hard trying to be a good Christian. People will choose one verse and try to live life for God and become frustrated. Let's look in Romans 12.
Romans 12.2 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.
Many Christians quote verse 2. I’ve seen it on t shirts, themes for conferences and retreats. However, there is something you MUST do first that will empower you to fulfill this command.
Romans 12.1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Let’s dig deeper into this scripture. Read verse one again. What does it say about God’s character? God is merciful. What does it mean to be merciful? Mercy means you are not getting what you deserve. It means God is compassionate. God’s mercy is the reason you are alive today. Now since God is merciful, Paul tells us to offer our bodies to Him. Why? Because God is trustworthy. You can trust God with your body. God wants you to understand His character and knowing you can trust Him, you can feel safe to present your body holy and acceptable to Him. Holy means set apart. Acceptable means in agreement, pleasing. This means to be in agreement with what God says about you and your body. You present your body to God as daily worship.
Present your body in total surrender to Him. Completely yield to His presence. You cannot surrender to God and conform to the world at the same time. Can you how His presence makes it possible to fulfill verse two? Verse one takes you into surrender and worship which leads you to mind renewal and transformation. Another truth to consider as you present your body. In the previous chapter, last verse reads
For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11.36.
Amplified-. For from Him [all things originate] and through Him [all things live and exist] and to Him are all things [directed]. To Him be glory and honor forever! Amen Rom.11.36
Paul reminds us you are from God, it is by Him you exist and it is to Him you are directed. Therefore you are only presenting to God what belongs to Him. You are created for His glory. As you surrender daily in worship to the Lord, His glory will continue to manifest in your life. His presence will cause you to avoid conforming to the world and conform to the image of Jesus Christ.
Call to Action: Present your body daily to the Lord by:
· Prayer- Commune with the Lord. Fellowship with the Lord in conversation
· Worship the Lord. Praise Him. Give Thanks
· Meditating on His word. Ponder and study scripture to discover His character. Renew your thinking.
· Apply the Word. Act out the word. The word is a mirror to remind you who you are. You are God's image bearer!