Paul writes in Romans 12:1–2, “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
The Christian life is not simply about knowing truth — it is about living it out. Paul reminds us that in response to God’s mercy, we are called to give ourselves fully to Him. To be a “living sacrifice” may sound like a contradiction, but it means dying to our selfish desires while living fully for Christ.
This transformation begins in the mind. The world pressures us to conform to its values, but God calls us to be renewed by His Spirit. Just as a caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly, God desires to change us from the inside out so that our lives reflect Christ more each day.
To be a sacrifice also means to be holy — set apart for God’s purposes. In the Old Testament, sacrifices had to be pure and without blemish. In the same way, our lives should be marked by purity and devotion, not by compromise with the world. This is not about perfection in our strength, but surrendering to Christ who makes us holy by His blood.
And when our lives are truly surrendered, they become acceptable to God. It is not only what we give on Sundays, but also how we live on Mondays — our thoughts, our words, our choices. A life lived for Christ is a continual act of worship.
There’s a story told about a little boy who, when the offering plate was passed at church, realized he had nothing to give. He placed the plate on the floor, stepped into it, and said, “Jesus, I don’t have anything to give You but me.” That is the heart of Romans 12. God doesn’t just want our money, our time, or our service — He wants us.
Lord, I offer myself to You today. Make me a living, holy, and acceptable sacrifice. Transform my mind, purify my heart, and let my life bring glory to You. Amen.
Jesus Home Ministries 