This is the last passage on our journey down the Romans Road. A lot of the lists you’ll find describing the salvation process found in the book of Romans doesn’t include this verse.
But I believe that the follow through is crucial to the salvation process as well. And I believe Paul did as well. See what he wrote in Romans 12:1:
This passage is often quoted with verse two attached, which speaks about not being conformed, but being transformed, by being informed.
And while that is important, the part of the passage I want to focus on is verse 1.
After we have accepted Christ into our lives as Savior, the story doesn’t end there. On the contrary, it’s just the beginning.
In this passage, Paul gives us some instruction on how to begin to live our lives. They key is to offer all of ourselves, and to do so in worship.
Paul brings to mind images of the Old Testament sacrificial system, which was what the early Christian would have been familiar with. But he makes a key distinction: our worship sacrifice, of ourselves, isn’t to be killed, as was the norm. No, we are to be living sacrifices, continually.
It’s part of the life transformation that begins when Christ invades our lives. When he comes in, it’s impossible for us to remain the same.
And as we strive to live in a manner pleasing to him, this lifestyle becomes a part of our worship.
That’s great! But it’s also difficult.
Someone once said, the only problem with a living sacrifice is that it keeps crawling off of the altar.
That’s very true. The biggest hindrance to living with a worship nature… is my sinful nature. And that’s where verse two comes in, giving us a glimpse of just how to do that.
Do you find it easy or hard to maintain a worshipful attitude and lifestyle? What makes it difficult? What helps you out? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.