Reading: Romans 12:1-8
Reflection: There is so much in this famous passage from Paul’s letter to the Romans that we could spend weeks unpacking it all. After speaking, in the earlier chapters of this book, about our human condition of brokenness and sin, and God’s solution in Christ, Paul affirms God’s love and the power of God’s Spirit that enable us to live the new life which Christ offers us. Then, in Chapter 12, Paul begins with the words “And so…” or “Therefore…” It is because of all that God has done for us in Christ, and because of the power God has given us through God’s Spirit and love, that we can now hear the call of God to be living sacrifices. It is this offering of ourselves that is our true worship, and it inevitably overflows into lives of humility, cooperation with others, and using our abilities to participate in the mission of Christ.
This passage makes it clear that faith is not an individual, personal thing at all. Our love for Jesus always drives us into connection with, and service of, others. It is easy to think of worship as singing, or as meeting every week in church. But, our worship gatherings are simply meant to teach us how to give ourselves to God, and become part of God’s called community in service of the world.
How can you offer yourself as a living sacrifice in service of God and others today?
Practice for Today: One of the most important practices in our worship, and in our lives, is that of listening. If we are to become “living sacrifices” we will need to listen carefully to God in order to hear God’s call, to others in order to see how we can best serve them, and to our own hearts in order to recognize and use the gifts God has given us. Make today a listening day, and then allow what you hear to direct your life.
Prayer for Today: As I offer myself to you, O God, I listen for your wisdom and guidance.