"Just be Reasonable"

"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. 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." Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)

This has always been one of my favorite passages of scripture. I will never forget my youth pastor always saying, "Just be reasonable!" There is so much truth to that statement. In view of everything God has done for us, all the mercy He has poured out on our lives and, all the grace He has poured on our sin it is only reasonable to live for Him.

My pastor preached on this passage on Sunday and it was a fresh reminder that we do not have to be a minister (or even a minister's wife) or a missionary to live our lives as a sacrifice. We can all do this everyday in practical ways. The Message says it like this:

"So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him."

Whatever you do today look for ways that you can honor God with your life. It might be a simple as letting a co-worker or a family member that is struggling know that you care. Possibly you could reach out to that new person at church who does not quite know where they "fit" yet. Tell your children or family members that you love them for no reason at all.

The great news is that as we live our lives as a living sacrifice, we will not be conforming to the world which will lead to the renewing of our minds. "Then we will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2). We all long to know what God's will is for our lives. Well, this is it! With His help, live your life as a sacrifice for Him. He will renew your mind and then you will know what else He wants you to do and it will be a perfect fit for you.

On a personal note, as you are reading this, I am presently undergoing some tests at the hospital. Please pray that God will be glorified today in our lives and that He will make Himself known through us.