Romans 12:1–2 (ESV)
A Living Sacrifice
12
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. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that
by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
The proper response to God’s mercy is to present yourself as a “living” sacrifice. This
is opposite of the animal sacrifices for sin offerings which brought death to the animal. This is a “living” sacrifice, to be holy and acceptable to God. The big question is what is our motivation? It is what God has done
for us. He has given us the Gospel through Word and Sacraments. He has forgiven us, changed us, and is molding according to His will. We are not to be conformed to this world. Are you conformed to the ways of this World? I’m
afraid to answer no, because that would be a lie. Please don’t take away my smartphone, laptop, satellite TV or anything that is electrical, whether plug in or battery powered. Please don’t take away my vehicle! I don’t
idolize it... do I??? You know, maybe I am shaped a little bit by this world. I will have to think of a way to justify it! Give me some time.
I pray: O Lord, help me to not try and
justify things that are worldly, but help me in my struggle with these sins and give me strength to control myself. I plead guilty and want to do better. Amen.