It has been long overdue since the last post and there has been a small still voice saying it’s time to update the blog. Recently a Bible Study group has been studying the book of Romans and there have been a few verses in chapter 12 that really stuck out. So without further ado, Romans chapter 12 verse 1 and 2.
Romans 12: 1,2.
1 Therefore
2 And do not be conformed
The first verse appears as though it is a command and the use of the verb urge tells us this. It implies that God is strongly suggesting or compelling us to carry out a specific task. This task, like the verse states, is to present ourselves a living sacrifice, acceptable to God. This is where confusion begins as we may not exactly know or understand what a living sacrifice is. Basically, we must give our bodies up to Him, allow Him to do His work within us, allow Him permission to use us and sculpt who we are becoming. Then we have become a living sacrifice to Him. We have given up our desires and ways as humans to allow for God to carry out His plan for us and mold our lives. This is becoming a living sacrifice.
The question then becomes, what is acceptable to God? Well the second verse of Romans 12 says that we are not to be conformed to this world. Therefore we must not indulge in the pleasures of the flesh or partake in the sin that is so easily offered by this world. We are to lead a tranquil and quiet life, one where God can reside and work within us. This is our spiritual service of worship.
Instead of being transformed by the world, we are urged to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. We must allow our minds to me transformed by God and live a life acceptable by Him. Like Psalm 51:10 says
10Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Our purpose here is to prove what the will of God is, to set examples to the non believers and to show the power of His majesty; to be people who live in the new covenant. We are becoming examples that show what is good, acceptable, and perfect. So ultimately our purpose here is to be examples for God, to show people what the nature of God is in our everyday acts.
'Lord take control of me, renew my mind and sculpt me into the person you want me to be. I trust in you and that you have a plan for me. I pray that you would make me an example of your greatness to others. I am all yours Lord!'