Living Sacrifice

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, 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

What If we believed that our entire life could be lived as an act of worship to God? Not just our Sunday morning routine of going to church, that everything that we say and do.

Are there some things that might have to change in the way we shape our lives? Are there some things we would have to give up? Are there some practices that we would need to pick up?

Part of what Paul is trying to say is that as followers of Jesus we must live as if the Kingdom were here in all its fullness right now. When we live this way, it's a form of worship that pleases God.

This way of living will certainly be noticed by the world around us… for good and for bad. We ought not to be surprised that the world will not always be happy with a way of life that is pleasing to God, and in fact may forcefully oppose it. So how are we to stay on track?

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-- what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Paul says that this kind of living requires a transformation and a renewing of our minds. This new way of living comes about by the power of the spirit of God living and moving and working in us. And it is through this transformation that we begin to know and understand God's will.

Over the past few weeks we have been engaged in a Bible study on Prayer and Listening (see the information and links later in this newsletter). Reading and studying God's word together is one way that our minds are renewed, and that together we work on discerning God's will for us as individuals and as the body of Christ gathered in this place.

As our minds are renewed and as we grow in our understanding of God's will, all our life is transformed as well, helping us to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God.

Blessings,

Matthew+

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  (BCP p. 232)