LIVING SACRIFICE
Romans 12: 1-8
Another metaphor for the Christian is “living sacrifice”. An average dictionary would define sacrifice as anything consecrated and offered to God. In the bible, we see all forms of sacrifices. Animals and birds were offered at various points in time until the ultimate sacrifice was made on the cross at Calvary. When an animal is to be sacrificed, the first step is to capture and tie it. It is put in a safe place until the time of the sacrifice. During the period, its movements are restricted; its safety is dependent on the captor; it’s feeding and care come from the one who would sacrifice him. At the point of sacrifice, it would be consecrated, dedicated and then slain to God.
Under the old covenant, God accepted the sacrifices of animals. This was until Calvary which was once and for all. For those who are in Christ by virtue of saving faith, the only acceptable sacrifice is to offer ourselves completely to the Lord. We are living “captives” of the Lord. Our liberty is restricted; we depend on him for safety, feeding and everyday need. And our whole life is dedicated to his service. Being a living sacrifice connotes being totally dedicated to the Lord and separation from the world-lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-16).
All that the world has to offer can be reduced to these three things: The lust of the flesh includes everything that appeals to our appetites and involves excessive desires for food, drink, sex and anything else that satisfies personal needs. Lust of the eyes mostly involves materialism, covering whatever we see that we don’t have and envying those who have what we want. The pride of life is defined by any ambition for that which puffs us up and puts us on the throne of our own lives.
The essence of being a living sacrifice is that we should be willing to offer ourselves to God. We should live for him. We should depend on him. We should do his will. Be entirely submissive to Him. The finest sacrifice we can make is to try and live according to His principles for our lives. It is ceasing to live only for ourselves. We are to serve God in all we are and do.
Christianity is not a part-time vocation. It is a full time job. Once an animal is caught for sacrifice, it has no time for other things. In the same vein, a Christian living sacrifice must live fully for the Lord. This is where the blessing comes from. God keeps you in safety, cares for your needs and your entire wellbeing because you are totally dedicated to him.
PRAYER: Lord, I dedicate my life to you afresh as a living sacrifice. Help me to be what you want me to be in Jesus name.
