Are you a living Sacrifice?

grace and peace to you dear friends,

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." Romans 12:1

In the Old Testament, living rightly before God involved sacrificing (giving up of something treasured) the best of your herds, flocks and produce from the land. And in the life of a righteous follower of God this was done consistently and freely. The righteous man would gladly give of the best of the best that he had, believing that God would see his faith and forgive his sins.

The sacrificial system of the Old Testament has been fulfilled by Christ but we are still commanded to live with the same kind of faith and commitment. They gave of the best that they had available. However for us, one of the ways we live as a sacrifice is by giving up the worst parts of ourselves. Let me explain. In order for us to be fully submitted and committed to Christ we have to constantly sacrifice all of our sinful desires, affections and inclinations. All the dark rebellious attitudes and selfishness that make up our sinful nature.  This my friends is our main battle is it not? Every day we're fighting to give over those desires and wants that our flesh is telling us we have to have in order to be happy. I'm sure you'll agree that it's often very difficult. Hard as it is though, we have a huge advantage over those who had to operate under the old law. The Bible says in Ezekiel that God will give us a new heart with new desires to follow Him and His ways.

"And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God." Ezekiel 11:19-20 ESV

 Praise be to His name forever, for He has chosen to help His people. Yes it's a battle but it's one that we have help and assurance that we will win. For the object of our new desire is infinitely worthy of all our attention. So let us keep fighting the good fight, sacrificing up all that is not worthy of our Kings name. May He bless your efforts to slay the sin that would keep you from exalting His name with your life today.

 I know that there are other ways that "living sacrifice" can be viewed or interpreted. I simply chose this route because it's where God has been focusing me lately. I hope that you to are able to feel the convicting power of the Word of God this morning and I pray that you would be motivated to work harder as you strive towards the prize.

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

For the Joy of Your Faith,
Teagan