Living Sacrifices

A Call to Worship and Transformation

Renewed Minds, Transformed Lives

Embracing God’s Will

A Life of Worship and Transformation

 Reflection on Romans 12:1-2 – 

“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. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2, NIV)

Paul’s exhortation begins with an appeal to God’s mercy, calling us to respond by offering our entire selves as “living sacrifices.” William Barclay notes that the call to a living sacrifice means surrendering not something external but our whole being—our bodies, thoughts, and actions—as an ongoing act of worship. This offering is “holy and pleasing to God,” a response of thoughtful, wholehearted devotion.

Paul contrasts conformity to the world with transformation by the renewal of the mind. John Stott says that conformity is a passive state, where the values of the world shape us without resistance. Transformation, however, is active—it requires intentional engagement with God’s truth and the work of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:23 complements this by urging us to “let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” Barclay adds that this renewal is about a complete change in how we think, shaping our lives to reflect God’s character.

The goal of this transformation is discerning and living out God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect will.” As the Spirit renews us, we gain clarity to follow God’s purposes. Stott emphasizes that this process brings joy, fulfillment, and alignment with God’s perfect design.

May we resist conformity to the world, embrace transformation through the Spirit, and live each day as a living sacrifice, glorifying God through our lives.

Prayer:

Lord, because of Your great mercy, I surrender myself to You as a living sacrifice. Renew my thoughts and attitudes by Your Spirit, and guide me to walk in Your good and perfect will. Help me to resist the world’s influence and live a life that honors You. Amen.