Culture says do what feels good. Do what makes you happy. Make sure that you’re looking out for yourself first. Be true to yourself.  

‍

But that’s not God’s way nor the example that Jesus set for us.  

‍

Jesus gave generously of himself during his years of ministry – spending time with people from all walks of life and seeing and knowing them. He walked, He listened, He healed, He performed miracles, He prayed, He counseled, He gave of himself day after day. And then He literally gave his life – died on our behalf on the cross.  

‍

So, what does it look like for us to follow Jesus in giving up our lives or our bodies as Paul talks about in Romans 12?  

‍

Paul is both gentle and passionate as he starts this section of Romans. He gently calls us his “dear brothers and sisters,” which is what we are as part of the family of God. Isn’t that fact alone amazing?! But he goes from this tender reminder of who we are and how we are related right into pleading that we give our bodies to God.  

‍

Before Christ came, the sacrificial system was in place. Before Jesus’ blood was shed as the perfect sacrifice, God had required animal sacrifices from His people as demonstrations of obedience. Now that we are no longer under the law but have the grace and blood of Jesus to cover our sin, we enter a new season of response. No longer are animal sacrifices necessary or desired, but there is still a need for obedience and gratefulness for all that God has done for us. Giving of ourselves in this way is how Paul says we truly worship.

‍

Paul is telling us that we worship not only with our voices – but by the way we live each and every day – and ALL the moments of these days. It’s a whole lot easier to put worship into a “church box” and think that we only need to worship when the music is playing. Worshipping through music is a great way to worship together, but true worship as defined by Paul is when we give ourselves completely to God. Nothing held back – our bodies are His.

‍

Again, the easy way may be to do things: using our bodies to help others, serving the church, and doing things that honor God. Using our bodies in active service is great, but Paul is clear that we need to submit our minds to God, as well. This is more challenging! Our thoughts, desires, emotions, and plans are much harder to contain than our actions. This is a key area where God desires to do His work – transforming our mind and changing the way we think. I need this – daily!

‍

So, how do we practically let God transform us? We need to be in His Word, listening to Him in prayer, and spending time with Him. In my own life, I find that the challenge is to make this not only a daily habit but a throughout-the-day habit. Paul writes to the Philippians about practically training our minds. He says to think about “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise” (Phil. 4:8, ESV). If we use this list as a template for focusing our minds, we will begin to be transformed.  

‍

This week, consider inviting God into your thoughts as you go throughout the chores and challenges of each day, as well as the highs and hallelujahs. Purpose to allow Him to transform your thinking while driving and while shopping, and in all the challenges you face each day. Paul says that the result of having our minds transformed will be to learn to know the will of God. Isaiah writes that “You [God] keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you” (Isa. 26:3, ESV). If peace and purpose are rewards for the work of submitting my thoughts and obediently setting my mind on God, then I’m in! What about you?

Lord, you desire not only my actions but also my mind. I have a hard time focusing and a harder time maintaining my focus. Thank you for not expecting me to accomplish this on my own. As I seek you and the things you tell me to focus on, you’ve given me your Spirit to guide, remind, and help me along the way. I purpose to take action. I want to be transformed. Renew my mind, I pray.

Amen.

‍