I dare say none of us like the idea of becoming a sacrifice, much less a living sacrifice. Yet that is what we are challenged to do in Romans 12:1, 2. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing or your mind, that you may prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God."
If we consecrate our bodies unto God, than all the lusts, appetites and other desires common to the flesh will be kept in subjection to God that we may not only serve him but will be acceptable to him. What a wonderful and desirable state in which to live. We will not be conformed to the world and living by its values but transformed by the renewing of our minds. We will have a change of mind, a change of will and purposes, seeking to know and do his will. When we consider how much he loves us, is that too much to give back?
Listen to the Apostle Paul: "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." II Timothy 1:12. Note he did not say he knew what he believed, perhaps a lot of theological facts, but he knew whom, a person, in whom he believed and that he was convinced he was able to keep that which he committed unto Him against that day-when he returns. What had he committed to Christ? His life, his whole heart, his will and his eternal destiny. That is why he could say, "I beseech (beg, plead) with you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Does that sound reasonable to us? Then he says, "Be not conformed to this world, but God through His word and His Spirit can transform us." II Corinthians 5:17. When I became a Christian, I had a limited understanding of its implications. I supposed it would make very little difference, for I was already living a good moral life. I wonder had I known in a few years I would be teaching a Sunday School class, serving as an elder and a little later be tapped on the shoulder to preach the Gospel the rest of my life, if I would have done so, for I was very timid about speaking in public. My Lord removed the timidity from me and fired my spirit with an irresistible urge to "Preach the word!" I thank and praise him for all the churches I have been privileged to pastor and many others in which I have preached and conducted revivals for. They have blessed my life beyond measure. If I have missed much the world offers, then call it a "living sacrifice" for my Lord's sake.