From Pastor Steve’s Study
This week, due to the technical team being on vacation, I have something on my heart to share with you as a written testimony of encouragement.
Coming through a physical trial with my lungs and the testing of my faith, the Lord has done a profound work in my heart and soul. Sometimes, we need to be reminded of just how fragile life is and how great is God’s loving provision in everything we need for life and godliness. This week an impartation of God’s grace apprehended my heart through well-known, though often broad brushed, Scriptures.
Romans 12:1 …” I urge you, brothers, [and sisters] in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of service (or worship.)”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 … “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.”
In practical terms, everything I do in and with this body, has meaning in worship and service.
Where I go, what I say and how I say it, how I respond to my circumstances, what I eat, what I watch, what I listen to, how I spend my time, how I play, how I work, how I make decisions … it’s all significant. It means carefully and prayerfully considering all things in the Light of Christ.
Everything we go through strengthens the fact that we are His. No detail escapes Him. Our lungs are to breathe His goodness. Our hearts are to beat His praise. Our minds are to be instructed by His Word. Our feet are to move according to His plan. Our whole bodies are created to receive and to give His love.
Yes, we know these things, or at least, we have heard them. But do we live by them? Until we do, our sacrifice is partial. Do we want to settle for Partial Transformation? Partial Peace? Partial Freedom?
Suppose Moses or David sacrificed only ½ a lamb. What if Jesus only gave His arms and legs for us on the cross. Would that suffice? Do we live partially for His pleasure but mostly for our own convenience? Do we participate only in what we enjoy? Do we eat only what we crave, even if it’s unhealthy? Do we only respond kindly to those who are kind to us? Do pray only for those we know and care about. Do we love only those who agree with us ……?
Romans 12:2 … Be not 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.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, [and sisters] in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of service and worship.