Romans 12:1-8
In Romans 12:1-8 Paul is calling for a specific decision and commitment, leading to a life of service. He is challenging Christians to take action and to totally give themselves up to God. The first two verses are a call to commitment, a commitment to be worked out by a whole new way of thinking and behaving. As Christians, our faith should be demonstrated in our daily lives.
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. 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. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:1-8 (NIV)
God does not want us to conform to this world but to be transformed. Paul is saying that our goal should be to please God. God wants what we think, what we say, what we do, and where we go, all to be for Him. He wants all of us to honor Him. We live in a world of TV, Facebook, social media, internet, news, movies, music, school, and work. We see and hear so much, both positive and negative. Sometimes it seems difficult to keep our focus on God and what is right and good. However, when we trust in Jesus as our Savior, we are transformed, we're changed into new people, because God rearranges our hearts and minds to begin to look like him.
The church is the body of Christ. Jesus is the head of this body, and we are its members, called to do His will as we work with one another. God has given us all special talents and abilities, and He wants us to use them to serve Him and one another. On our own, we can’t do everything, but if we are willing to use our gifts and talents for God, He will bless them and allow the church to work together.
Questions for Reflection:
- What special talents have you been given that you can use to serve God?
- Have there been times in your life when it was easier to conform than to be transformed?
Prayer:
Loving God, Thank you for giving us unique gifts. Help us to use them for your glory. Allow us to work with one another recognizing that we are the body and you are the head. Our hope is to give all that we are and all that we have, as a living sacrifice to You. Thank you for your love. Amen
Login To Leave Comment