Change

True confessions: Think of something about your appearance as a teenager or young person that was very fashionable … at the time!
       
Tastes in apparel, hair styles, even the cars we drive, can reflect to some degree our values and preferences. These can change over the years due to popularity, maturity, or even our changing tastes. When it comes to our values, we hope that they deepen and stay constant. In the Bible, the Ephesian believers are encouraged regarding their faith to “no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming (Ephesians 4:14).” That sounds like great support and encouragement.

As we think about our purpose and life situation, what guides us? In Romans, Paul challenges us to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” What does that mean? 

On one level, sacrifice involves giving up something, often for a good cause. A baseball batter willingly bunts even though he or she knows they will probably be out, but it may be advantageous to the teammate already on base as well as to the whole team. Oftentimes we work hard, give time and resources for a cause with think is important and something we believe in.
When Paul calls us to be “living sacrifices”, he is calling us to put God’s agenda and Word above everything else in life. And notice it is a “living” sacrifice meaning current, ongoing, and forward-thinking. He further challenges us to “not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2).” As we seek to embrace and adopt this way of living, we seek to live a life pleasing to God and in sync with His will.
When I read that, I immediately realize that I fail to do that regularly, daily, and with or without thinking. What now? Have I failed to live up to God’s standard? Yes. But in God’s goodness, He has provided a solution to this dilemma through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. His work and sacrifice paid the price for our sins and he has set us free so we are “free indeed!” That is good news!

And in that freedom, we celebrate, cherish, and hold firmly to what Jesus has done!
Later in this chapter (Romans 12:6-8), Paul recognizes that we have different gifts and abilities, and God can and plans to use them all! He gives some examples of us stepping into the gifts we have been given:

• If your gift is teaching: teach!
• If it’s serving: serve!
• If it’s to encourage: give encouragement!
• If it’s giving: give generously!
• If it’s leading: lead diligently!
• If it’s to show mercy: do it cheerfully!    

All this is done to bring attention and honor to God so that others have a better view of who God is; of who God is, for them!

Closing Prayer: Triune God Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we thank you for who you are! You are ultimate in every way and we are sometimes astonished that you call us to join in Your mission. Help us to step into you’re your call through baby steps or huge leaps. Empower us to be living sacrifices for your mission! We have confidence, strength and determination, knowing that the truth of Your unchanging Word will last forever, through Christ our Lord! Amen.