Infinitum 30 Day Challenge - Week Twoনমুনা

Living Sacrifices 

Devotional: We read in Romans 12:1-2 that we are to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God. This involves the renewal of our mind, the refusal to be conformed to this world, and discerning the will of God. When you have some time, read through the first eleven chapters of Romans where Paul instructs his readers on how to build a Christian life. 

If we pay close attention to these two verses in particular we see that we are to build our lives on the mercies of God. By presenting ourselves as living sacrifices we are partaking in spiritual worship (v 1). You might ask, how does this tie into surrender? Paul is not talking about sacrifice with the same intent as the sacrifice mentioned in the Old Testament or the sacrifice Jesus paid on the cross. We understand that Jesus brought an end to the sacrifices for sin. So what does he mean by sacrifice? The sacrifice Paul talks about here is closely tied with surrender. By presenting our bodies as living sacrifices we are choosing to lay down whatever keeps us from worship and living a life that is holy and acceptable. 

The culture around us today desires physical pleasures, as followers of Christ we are to put our spiritual joy ahead of our physical desires and pleasures. This includes denying earthly pleasures to take the Word of God into the places that need it. The exercise is for us to walk in surrender; to live a holy life, we experience all that delights His heart. Every day we refuse to imitate the culture’s ideals and opinions. Every day we choose to allow the Holy Spirit to reform our thinking and every day we are empowered to discern God’s will.

• What area in your mind needs to be reformed? 
• What present habits do you need to surrender? 

On the outside of your mask, write down words, phrases, and attitudes that reflect the positive and purposeful things you want to say and live, Things that reflect the love of Jesus. Then view the inside as a guard. A confession even. Write down words that reflect attitudes, prejudices, and words that you are tempted to use. Ask God to help you not speak these things. Place this in your Bible or hang it as a prompt for your actions this week.