“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).
TEXT — Romans 12:1-3
Message
The story was told of a prominent man who held a top position in the political structure of his country. He was not particularly noteworthy for any exemplary conduct as a public officer, nor did he exhibit instances of striking integrity. He was in fact, reported to have been enmeshed in sordid activities in office and private life; but he went to church sometimes. On his retirement, he shocked his village church by deciding to build a magnificent cathedral for them. Obviously, this was his way of impressing God, despite his obvious personal failings.
The Lord only expects and accepts sacrifices from transformed lives. The best form of sacrifice to God is to offer ourselves – heart, mind and body – to Him. This is so important that Apostle Paul had to plead with the believers in Rome to present themselves as a living sacrifice. To be acceptable to God, they must not conform to the traditions and practices of the world. Their lives must be transformed, their minds must be renewed and their conduct must express what is good, acceptable and the perfect will of God. Saved by grace, their lives must be characterised by humility and sobriety.
Many people miss the mark by engaging in transactions with God, trading what they possess in return for His acceptance and blessings. They fail to realise that God wants them to first subordinate their desires to the demands of righteous living. This means they must submit to His leading and guidance, willingly honour and obey Him in all things and joyfully serve Him at all times. Their lives must be remarkably different from the customs and traditions of the world; they must remain humble and meek, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide their hearts always.
Thought for the day
A consecrated life is lost in the love of the Lord and not in the lust of the world.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
Let us lean to do the words