“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.” – Romans 12: 1 NKJV
Imagine playing a football match where both teams wear jerseys with identical colours and patterns. The difficulty of telling one another’s team members apart will make the game so chaotic. Just as it is important for the teams in a football match to have clear and separate identities, so is it important for us Christians to be clear about our convictions. There should be no grey areas in our faith – it must be evident that we belong to Christ.
Apostle Paul describes us as “living sacrifices,” imploring us to live our lives as people who are dead to self – not living for selfish desires – but alive to God (Romans 12:1, Galatians 2:20). He further explains that Jesus Christ died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves, but live for Christ, who died and was raised for them (2 Corinthians 5:15).
This lifestyle to which we have been called in Christ Jesus is not merely a suggestion; it is our ‘reasonable service’. It is the standard of service that God expects and demands from everyone who receives the gift of a new life in Christ Jesus. If Jesus died for us, then it must be evident by our lifestyles that we live for Him.
We cannot afford to be conformed to the ways of this world (Romans 12:2). Our worldview must distinctively align with the truth of God’s word. We must set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2) and consciously let the truth of God’s word penetrate, guide and influence every part of our lives – our focus, decisions, ambitions and even our affections – such that there is no area where our allegiance to God is unclear.
Jesus set the example for us. He demonstrated firm conviction when seemingly reasonable, yet contrary, opinions were suggested to Him. We observe this when Peter suggested something contrary to God’s plan and Jesus rebuked him without hesitation (Mark 8:33) and when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, suggesting things contrary to the ways of God (Matthew 4:1-11).
Dear friends, God will have us be well-rooted and grounded in the truth, not blown and tossed about by every opinion we encounter (Ephesians 3:17, 4:14).
Your life belongs to God – This should be evident in everything you do. Don’t be silent about your faith; remain firm in your convictions even in the face of temptation or challenges. Take a stand for the truth and let your unwavering devotion to Christ be evident – Stand firm in what you believe!
Bible Reading Plan: Romans 5-6