In today's devotional, the apostle Paul tells us that we are living sacrifices. This would have been a somewhat difficult concept to explain as sacrifices are supposed to be dead on the altar. What did Paul mean?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.
Romans 12:1 NLT.
In the New testament, unlike the Old, God wants a living and holy sacrifice, Paul says that is what is acceptable to him.
Normally, a sacrifice is supposed to be dead on the altar, if not, it might walk away when the fires comes on. Si when Paul ask us to be living sacrifices, it is with the understanding it will take a resolve to remain on the altar as we offered.
Secondly, the fact that we are alive on the altar implies that we live every single day of the remaining day of our lives for him. And so in this same chapter, Paul addresses Christian social conduct.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Romans 12:9-16 NLT.
Christians worship God in Spirit and truth. We worship him with our words and in our every day conducts.
