“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)
I pray this verse each day but got an interesting revelation about “sacrifices” recently. In the Old Testament, God’s people were to offer animal sacrifices to atone for their sin, (Leviticus 4:35). In these sacrifices, an animal was killed. However, the above verse mentions a “living sacrifice”. The animal of old didn’t have to “do” anything; just give up their life. A living sacrifice involves action on the part of the one giving themselves. For sure there are many who have sacrificed their lives for others: military, first responders and many who have placed themselves in harm’s way to save others. So, what’s this about being a “living sacrifice”?
As Christians, we’re supposed to offer ourselves as sacrifices by DOING. Here are some examples from scripture: “To do righteousness and justice” (Proverbs 21:3), “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God.”(Hosea 6:6), “And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself.” (Mark 12:33), “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:15-16). As we can see from these verses, to be a living sacrifice, we are required to “do” things, to be active, to show and shine our light to those around us. And as we do these things, God sees it as worship. That pleases Him. But the words, “holy and acceptable” means we should ask forgiveness for our sins first before offering our bodies. The animal sacrifices had to be, “unblemished”, (Deuteronomy 17:1).
But we must never forget the One who offered up the ultimate sacrifice for us: “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2). Jesus gave Himself up for us yet, unlike the animals of old; He was dead but now lives! And we, having the Holy Spirit in us, can sacrifice and live too. Are we willing to offer our bodies a living sacrifice? If yes, we must get to work sharing the love of God.
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