NIV Spiritual Renewal Study Bible PlanSample

Your Altar Ego

Service is a way of saying thanks to God for all that he has done for us. We can never truly pay back the overwhelming love and support our friends and family may have shown us, but we can pass their love on to others. In the same way, we can never repay God for granting us life in Christ and for blessing us, but we can pass his love on to others in practical ways.

One of the greatest barriers to service, however, is pride. Sinful pride causes us to scoff at the thought of putting others first. Pride teaches us to calculate how every action will further our own reputation or advance us toward our goals. Pride carefully keeps records of who is next in line for something good.

Paul’s letter to the Romans leaves no room for pride. Those who understand their unworthiness and sinfulness, as well as the priceless sacrifice of Christ and the new life of faith he gives by grace, will place their ego on the altar. Sinful pride must die when faith comes alive.

Romans 12 illustrates several specific areas in which we can be living sacrifices and serve God in the world. As living sacrifices, we surrender the use of our gifts solely for our own advancement. We seek to bless others instead and sacrifice our time and resources for their benefit. In the process, our lives are shaped into the image of Christ.