Living Sacrifice

Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
I’ve been thinking about those words: Living Sacrifice. Sacrifice is not something that is natural for most Westerners. Most of us complain if the room is too hot or too cold, or if the food isn’t to our taste.

I was talking to my daughter the other day about how there are people in the world who don’t have food to eat. She said, “Why don’t we just buy them some food?” I told her the story of when I was in Cuba. It was shortly after a hurricane had hit the island. When I was picked up from the airport, I was picked up in an un-air-conditioned van that had huge holes in the floor (we suspended our feet as we drove). The man who picked us up told us that part of his daily routine was walking into town to see if there was food that day. If there was, they ate. If there wasn’t, they went hungry. I told him I’d buy him and his family some food. We stopped at every little town, and I offered my money. The problem wasn’t money—it was that there was no food. It was my first experience seeing people literally praying for food each day. As we went throughout the week, God provided rice and plantain for us each day. The last day, the family killed their rooster for us to eat. It was their sacrifice—their offering—to us to thank us for discipling them in the faith.

I say this, because we are such creatures of comfort. I’ve been convicted about this lately. Here is the question I have asked myself when I worship: “What have I sacrificed today for the Lord?” “What is my offering?” It may be something as simple as spending time away from the television and in the Word. It may be practicing for a rehearsal more so I can be adequately prepared to rehearse players and singers to lead worship. It may be denying myself something so I can give more generously to others. But, the Bible tells us clearly that we are to be “living sacrifices”. What does this mean? Here’s verse 2:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The key is transformation. We need to be growing in the Jesus Way every day. This requires submission, surrender, study, and yes, sacrifice.

As we approach worship this Sunday, we are singing a new song called “Awakening” by Chris Tomlin. Before we can begin to ignite this world for Christ, we first need a revival in our own souls. That’s what this song calls for. Here are the lyrics. I urge you to meditate on these as you prepare for Worship this Sunday. Pray for awakening in your heart…in your city…in your nation…in this world.

In our hearts, Lord, in this nation
awakening.
Holy Spirit, we desire
awakening

For You and You alone
awake my soul; awake my soul, and sing.
For the world You love
Your will be done, let Your will be done in me.