December 13
A Living
Sacrifice
Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do 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.
Daily Steps
Having received all the major teachings of the Christian life, this passage provides the ultimate synthesis: a calling to integrate all of our learning (doctrine) into our daily lives (practice). In light of God's immense mercy (Day 257) and redemption (Day 225), the believer's response is to dedicate their entire self—their bodies—as a living sacrifice; this is the true essence of worship.
The peace in this principle is found in holistic dedication:
Motivation for Dedication: The command is based entirely on the past: in view of God’s mercy. Our dedication is not to earn salvation, but a grateful response to the completed work of Christ. We offer our bodies—our actions, physical presence, and daily choices—as a living sacrifice, a continuous act of resolute obedience (Day 283).
The Call to Transformation: This living sacrifice requires separation from the world: Do not conform to the pattern of this world. It demands self-control (Day 335) and active holiness (Day 314). The change begins internally: be transformed by the renewing of your mind. This renewing comes through saturating ourselves with the Word of Christ (Day 346).
The Result is Discernment: The ultimate outcome of this dedication is the ability to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. When our lives are wholly dedicated to Christ, the Holy Spirit (Day 320) grants us sharp discernment (Day 347) to know and follow God's purposeful action (Day 274) for our lives.
Your peace is secured by holistic dedication. Embrace Living by Synthesis today by committing to live as a living sacrifice. Ask the Holy Spirit to point out one area of your mind or body that is conforming to the pattern of this world, and intentionally renew it through the Word in light of God’s abundant mercy.
Reflective Question
If your daily life were reviewed, would your actions demonstrate a living sacrifice or a living surrender to the world? What one practical choice today can be offered to God as true and proper worship?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my struggles to live out the truth I know. I thank You for Your abundant mercy. I pray for the grace and power to offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You. I ask that You transform my mind so that I may test and approve Your perfect will. Secure my peace today in this holistic dedication, and let my whole life be my true and proper worship. Amen.
