Living a new life
| 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. 2 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. (NKJV) (Romans12:1-2) |
- The "therefore" of condemnation Romans 3:20
- The "therefore" of justification Romans 5:1
- The "therefore" of sanctification Romans 8:1
- The "therefore" of dedication Romans 12:1
This comes not as a command but an appeal to present one's body. This appeal is motivated by God's mercies. Not as a result of works or the efforts of a particular sect but because of the mercies of the Lord. When we realize that we are who we are because of the mercies of the Lord it makes us feel the need to give oneself. We are urged to dedicate our bodies to God. Not allowing the members of your body to be used for anything that does not bring glory to God. After all the body of a believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Cor.6:19-20) God is revealed to the world by the way we use our bodies to do the good work of God (Mt.5:16) We should use our mouth, our head, our hands, our feet to be the carriers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. May this be your prayer that you dedicate your body to God as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable, which is your reasonable service. Use your skill, voice creativity etc to further the kingdom of God.
In verse 2 we are instructed not conform to this world. The call is for all believers to reject conformity to the standard of the world. The word world refers to the age (aion) referring to the time, period. Do not change to suit the now. There is a saying that if you can't beat them then join them. But we are called to stand out and not take the position of our world for the sake of peace at the expense of one's salvation. Your mandate is to convert the worldly to the position of Christ. Instead of conforming we should be transformed (metamorphosis). Total change in thinking and the way we do life because Christ Jesus did not come to adjust our lives but to change us completely and this change must be a continues process. As a person thinks so they are (Prov.3:7.) The mind plays a very important role in decision making and in shaping one's identity. One's behaviour is controlled by one's mind. Let God transform your mind as you read and meditate on his word in this day. That way you will know God's perfect and beautiful will for your life. Stay blessed. Amen.
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Christopher Mkandawire is past moderator of General Assembly, a minister of David Livingstone Memorial Presbyterian Church and a family man happily married to Rhoda for 17 years and blessed with three children.
