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.
When Paul says “give your bodies to God” he means every part of us. God wants our hearts to love Him and each other. God wants our minds so we will understand His word and apply it in our lives. God wants our hands and feet to do the work He has called us to do.
Paul warns us about the things we see in this world and the effect that copying that behavior has on our connection to God and His children. The world is not our example, Jesus is! We have been created in God’s image for a purpose.
God wants us to know His love and share it with everyone, everywhere. Jesus told us in Acts 1 “And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” May we use all we have been given to thank Him and ensure all hear God’s promise of salvation.
Loving Lord, forgive us for our selfishness! Help us to see and do what is required here, not just to satisfy human needs, but to point people to You and Your love for us. Amen.
