A Living Sacrifice

MORNING

Read Romans 12:1-2

Devotion

Paul does not use the word “disciple” in his letter to the Romans, but he captures the concept here in the phrase “living sacrifice” (12:1). We have seen that disciples of Jesus sacrifice their agendas, priorities and securities, to follow and obey Jesus. While the reward is huge, the cost is significant.

It can be painful and distressing to abandon things that make our lives secure, enjoyable, and respected by others. Living as an everyday disciple is like climbing up on an altar and offering ourselves as a sacrifice to Jesus every day. It’s a great way to live. It brings huge pleasure to God (12:1) and blessing to us, and will make a difference forever. But it is costly. So Paul’s choice of “living sacrifice” is a helpful and accurate picture of a disciple.

According to Paul (12:2), being a disciple involves a transformation in us that causes us to think differently from the world and enables us to receive and follow God’s will. As we abandon our personal priorities, God gets hold of our mind and renews it. We start to think like God does. We see people differently. We experience different longings. Different things satisfy us. Over time, our daily acts of sacrifice become a joyful surrender to Jesus who we love and trust.

I hope you have now made a firm commitment to be a true disciple of Jesus, understanding both the demands and blessings. In the next four Plans in Everyday Disciple, we will explore how to grow as a disciple.

Prayer

I climb back up on the altar and offer myself to You again. I just want to serve and please You. I trust You with my life and future. Keep transforming my mind so that I will see what You see, love what You love, and break free from the attraction of this world. Show me Your will and I will do it. May I live as Your disciple today.

Today’s Bible Focus

“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”

LUNCHTIME (or when you can make a moment during the day)

1. Meditate for a short time on today’s Bible Focus. Let it seep into your heart.
2. Look and see what is happening around you from God’s perspective, and listen to see whether God is whispering anything to you.
3. Pray for any not-yet Christians God has placed on your heart.

EVENING

1. Remember: Repeat today’s Bible Focus.
2. Reflect: Reflect on the day, and thank God for what He has said and done.
3. Repent: Check where you have neglected or disobeyed God during the day, and ask for forgiveness and freedom.
4. Release: Name any concerns or fears on your mind and release them to Jesus.