YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE

Paul challenges us to go from our initial 'saving faith' to a life of 'abiding faith' ... 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

The passage holds the conditions of the spiritual 'race' that's laid out before us:

1. 'The mercies of God' is what motivates us to step onto the path in the first place. We should be greatly moved by the idea that he has not given us what we deserve as sinners ... condemnation, judgment, and death. 

2. 'Present your bodies a living sacrifice' means total surrender of our 'humanness' into God's hands ... every thought, word, and deed is to be placed on the altar. He is to be Lord over every aspect of this earthbound life.  

3. 'The renewing of your mind' has to do with seeing things through God's eyes. We receive divine discernment, as He transforms us into the likeness of His Son ... 'Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus'. (Philippians 2:5)

To run with endurance, the weight of your 'old self' must be cast off. That sacrifice can be seen as your daily cross to bear ... I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) 

Everything must go ...    

F. B. Meyer - I remember so well when the Lord came to my heart and challenged me as to the keys of the fortress. Before I gave them to Him, I put one small key in my pocket. Jesus said, "I can not be King at all, if I can not be King of all" ... I allowed HIm to take it. 

Have you held back a key, pilgrim?