Our scripture this morning is Romans 12:1-2 (NLT).
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Paul writes about the gift God has given us of ourselves. Sometimes we don’t fully appreciate how we are wonderfully created. However, Paul is speaking about more than just the physical shell our spirits inhabit.
He teaches “let them be a living and holy sacrifice”, which means much more than just our flesh and blood. The CSB Study Bible: Notes call it a “dedication of the total person to living for God’s honor.” That’s a pretty tall order but Jesus has shown us the way.
He told us there would be opposition and obstacles, but if we allow God to transform the way we think as Paul puts it, we can be complete in body and spirit. God loves everyone and He has a purpose for each one of us.
Heavenly Father, we are awed at the wonder of Your creation, given to us in trust. Help us to use all our resources wisely, including ourselves. Amen.
