And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. (Romans 12:1-3 NLT)
Reading this today in the NLT struck me differently than it has before. Give your bodies to God, let them be a living and holy sacrifice. I’ve generally equated body with life. I’m not sure that’s correct though. Every major translation translates verse one as giving your body, not your life.
What does it mean to make my body a living and holy sacrifice? How is giving my body different than giving my life? I am willing to give my body or my life up as a sacrifice, but what is it that makes it living and holy? Is that answer found in the next two verses or are they additional advisements? I think they are the latter.
Back to my original question. What makes my body a living and holy sacrifice?
I’d love to know what the Greek word here is, but unfortunately, I am clueless. Perhaps some of my more learned friends will comment here and enlighten me/us?
My prayer for today, Lord, is this, show me any errors in my behavior or customs that are keeping me from being transformed into the new person you want me to be. Help me to take an honest evaluation of myself measuring with the faith you have given me. My whole body, my whole life, my thoughts and my mind are placed now at your feet. Use them as you choose, Lord, for your glory.
Natalie Ames 