Living a Life of Sacrifice: Transforming Our Hearts for God's Purpose
In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, how can we truly live a life dedicated to God? This question challenges us to look deeper into our faith and examine what it means to be a living sacrifice for Christ.
The journey begins with understanding that we all have a unique assignment from God. Each of us has different responsibilities, influences, and people surrounding us. But when we walk according to God's plan, He begins to unlock our purpose in ways that are beautifully diverse yet unified in Him.
Romans 12:1-2 provides a powerful foundation for this concept: "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 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."
This passage reminds us that offering ourselves as living sacrifices is not an unreasonable request from God. It's our spiritual act of worship, a response to His incredible love and grace. But how do we practically live this out?
The key lies in transforming our minds. When our minds are informed by the ways of the world, we will eventually conform to those ways. It's a slippery slope. The antidote is to be transformed by renewing our minds through God's Word and His Spirit.
To help us in this journey of transformation, we can follow these five steps:
Hear God's Word
Read God's Word
Study God's Word
Memorize God's Word
Meditate on God's Word
These practices help us to internalize Scripture, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and entire being. As we do this, we become living sanctuaries for God, clean and whole, poured out for Him.
The apostle Paul draws a powerful parallel between spiritual discipline and physical training in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Just as athletes go into strict training for a perishable crown, we should discipline ourselves for an imperishable one. This requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to "strike a blow to my body and make it my slave."
But let's be clear – this isn't about earning our salvation or God's love. It's about living out the transformation that Christ has already begun in us. It's about allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, making us instruments of righteousness.
One of the most challenging aspects of living as a sacrifice is dying to self. We must come to God completely dead to our flesh, our agenda, and our ideas of the future. It's not about presenting God with a contract of our life plans for Him to sign off on. Instead, it's about giving Him a blank sheet with our signature at the bottom, allowing Him to fill in the details.
This level of surrender can be unnerving, but there's peace in knowing that God has us in His hands. As Colossians 3:3 beautifully puts it, "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
Living as a sacrifice also means actively resisting sin. Romans 6:12-13 exhorts us, "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life."
This isn't about perfection or never struggling. It's about consistently choosing to align ourselves with God's will rather than our own desires. It's a daily decision to walk by the Spirit so that we will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17).
In the face of temptation and trials, we're encouraged to persevere. James 1:12-17 reminds us that blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, for that person will receive the crown of life. We're also warned about the progression of sin – from desire to temptation to sin to death. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ!
As we strive to live as sacrifices, we must keep our focus on what is unseen rather than what is seen. The visible world around us is temporary, but the invisible realities of God's kingdom are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). This shift in perspective helps us to live with eternity in mind, making decisions based on God's values rather than worldly priorities.
Living as a sacrifice doesn't mean a life of misery or deprivation. On the contrary, it leads to the fullest, most satisfying life possible. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). When we empty ourselves before God, He fills us with His presence, peace, and purpose.
The beautiful promise of Ephesians 3:14-21 encapsulates this truth. As we allow Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith, being rooted and established in love, we can begin to grasp the immeasurable love of Christ. And as we do, we are "filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Living as a sacrifice is not about what we can do for God, but about what God can do through us when we fully surrender to Him. It's about allowing His power to work in us, doing "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."
As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to live differently. Let's dare to die to self and live fully for Christ. Let's offer ourselves as blank pages for God to write His story upon. In doing so, we'll discover a life of purpose, power, and unimaginable fulfillment – a life that truly glorifies God and impacts the world around us.
May we echo the words of the hymn: "I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back." Let's dance on the grave of our old selves, celebrating the new life we have in Christ. For we have been born again, rescued out of the mess we were in, our sorrow traded for a new song of praise.
In this journey of living as a sacrifice, may we continually grow in our understanding of God's love, being strengthened by His Spirit in our inner being. And may our lives bring glory to God in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
