To the believers in Rome, Paul wrote: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). What is the apostle saying? First, give your whole life as an offering to God. Second, live out God’s will for you, not the world’s. Simply put, live like and for Jesus. Don’t live like those don’t. Don’t be like everyone else.
What would Paul’s words mean for me today?
Trust the Creator, not the created. The God-shaped hole in my heart cannot be filled by anything or anyone but the One sin separated me from. Nothing will do but Him.
Live slowly. Nothing good is achieved in a hurry. Additionally, we do not need to run after what God gives us. He is Emmanuel, with me now, today. Not a paycheck away.
Keep every moment holy. Do not keep your Christianity in a box. Do not limit it to a day. Do not turn it into an extraordinary event. Your following of Jesus needs to be seen in every daily situation, from diaper changes to evangelistic meetings.
Much more could probably be said about the relevance of Paul’s words today. But I think this is a good place to start. Don’t be like everybody else, self-centered and narrow focused. Live in a way that lets God’s light shine through you, so that those around you glorify Him. And if you do not know where to start, ask God to change you through his Spirit, little by little, step by step.
