I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (ESV)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 (NIV)

Recite using the acronym:

I A T Y T , B , B T M O G , T P Y B A A L S , H A A T G , W I Y S W . ROMANS 12:1 (ESV)

T , I U Y , B A S , I V O G M , T O Y B A A L S , H A P T G –– T I Y T A P W . ROMANS 12:1 (NIV)

Read Full Passage HERE

Dive Deeper:

“The work of the Holy Ghost first begins in the understanding, and is carried on to the will, affections, and conversation, till there is a change of the whole man into the likeness of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Thus, to be godly, is to give up ourselves to God.” - Matthew Henry

In response to the riches of God’s daily mercies, let us lay down our lives for Him to accomplish His will through us. We came into this world with nothing, and since all we can call “ours” in this world comes from God, even our very bodies, in complete humility and surrender, we ought to give it all back to Him. Letting go of our desires, goals, control, and time, we take hold of the glorious purpose found in Him that swallows up all of our meager aspirations, needs, and wants. At first glance, this verse appears frightful. It is hard to offer up our whole lives to the Lord. Many think the Christian walk is dull, rigid, and lacks pleasure. We think, “If I give over my life to the Lord and let Him in to have dominion over everything, my short time here will be absent of fun and the thrills and pleasure of this World. I will miss out.” This is the natural fleshly response. But we can be assured that this isn’t so. God wants you to experience pleasures, peace, and persistent joy unlike anything this world offers, even at its highest points of delight. 

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” - Psalm 16:11

As we mature in our faith, the Spirit works through us, making this the aspiration of our heart; to be sanctified and molded into the likeness of Christ, becoming a living sacrifice for the will of God. Take a moment to pray for God to stir your heart's affections for Him, putting aside all selfishness, pride, and control so that your life may be used for your good and His glory. 

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Lord,

You want better for me than what I could ever hope for myself. You want to give me the best gift I could receive––Yourself. In You, there is true life, the fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore. 

But God, I am prone to wander. When I, as a straying sheep, jump off the alter built for sacrifice, bring me back and place me on it once more. Keep me near and in your fold. Mold my heart's desire to be for You and the working of Your will. Allow my soul to rest in utter and complete trust in You, that Your desire isn’t to make my life void of pleasure, but that want to bring true fulfillment according to your design that the sin curse corrupted all those years ago. 

In Jesus' name,

Amen.