Examining Romans 12:1-2, "Spiritual Formation" Part 2

Paul says, "present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" (v. 1). Using these words, Paul is describing the human response to God as one of worship! Using the imagery of sacrifice and applying it to the Christ follower, Paul does something very note-worthy: He makes the "spiritual service of worship" to include every aspect of a Christ follower's life! In other words, there's nothing left out: Every aspect of the Christ follower's life is to be sanctified and set apart as an offering to God and considered to be worship! Paul told the Christ followers at Corinth, "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). The consequences of what Paul said are immense. We're to understand and embrace the fact that there's no part of the Christ follower's life which is too small or not important enough to be set apart to God and given to Him as an act of worship! I'm talking about attitudes, feelings, actions, habits and thinking-all are to be sanctified to God and given to Him! Imagine how awesome this becomes with respect to spiritual formation. It helps the Christ follower live the entirety of life as worship under the watching eyes of God! We are not nearly as careful to worship the Lord with our attitudes, feelings, habits, and thinking. Well, there's no better time than right now! When we are totally surrendered to God, it is the highest form of worship that we can render! Nothing says, "I love you" to the Lord like a consecrated, set apart, holy life! We're talking about complete surrender to God! Paul said that this life is "acceptable to God." For the Christ follower, it doesn't get any better! Your move. Be encouraged!