Romans 12:1-2 – “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.”  NKJV

Through the years I have observed many people, situations and experiences that involved sacrifice.  We have all observed people making incredible sacrifices for the benefit of others and some so selfless they amazed us.  As I reflect on this thought and passage I felt the Holy Spirit ask, “What is a sacrifice?”  If I take the simplest definition it is “surrendering possession of something and making it an offering.”  It can be something that is slaughtered or simple given up in the pursuit of acceptance.

So if a sacrifice is something that is given to be slaughtered or possession is given to another what is a “Living Sacrifice?”  If we are presenting our bodies as sacrifices to God are we not giving Him possession and thereby complete control?  He is not talking about our bodies being given in death but in life, for we are to make this presentation as a “Living Sacrifice”.  That means that we are acknowledging our willing relinquishment of control of our lives.  Paul called this “reasonable” and identifies that this was to be more than just our physical bodies we are to give our hearts and minds as well.  We are to move from worldly conformation to spiritual transformation by the renewing of our minds.  Therefore, if we are giving ourselves to God as a sacrifice that is alive we are acknowledging that He has the right to total control of our lives.

If I am a Living Sacrifice then why do I still demand my rights and privileges?  I have none, I am a sacrifice.  I am at his disposal to use as He chooses, in the way He chooses, when He chooses and where He chooses.  How is it that we continue to resist if we are truly sacrifices of the living kind?  So many are searching for the “will of God” but when the Holy Spirit nudges their hearts to do some small or even less desirable service they resist.  Some have told me they want to find a church where their gifting is appreciated and utilized.  I can understand that but what if God is not ready for you to be in the front of the room and has a work in the back of the room for you?  If you are a “Living Sacrifice” you will not complain but if you are not truly a sacrifice you will resist.

If I give myself to God as a sacrifice it is no longer I but He that lives in me and through me.  It is no longer my will but thine be done.  It is no longer about me it is about Him, His kingdom and purpose.  The question I often ask myself and others is, “Are we truly living sacrifices?”  Do we place ourselves on the altar and then get up and walk off the altar?

            May God be with you as you go through this day!