In View of God's Mercy

Scripture: 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. Romans 12:1

Observation: Most Christians know that Romans 12 is, effectively, and instruction pamphlet on how to live life. I have read it many times, and I truly want to make it my instruction manual for life. So nothing I say today is new, but I wanted to write it out to further re-enforce everything in my mind and heart.

Application: Here is what Romans 12 says to me, in plain language:

Since God loves me, I must serve him with my very self. Everything I do every second of every day should be in service to him.

How I act and what I do isn't just service, it's worship.

My thoughts and deeds are not to align to the world, but to God's word - the Bible - which I need to read daily. When I read God's word, I will learn what he wants me to do to fulfill his purposes.

I need to judge myself honestly in these things.

My life is to be lived in the Church, where I can use my gifts to serve God by serving and loving others. In the same way, I will be upheld by others.

I must strive to truly love others and hate sin. Not just 'think' that way, but truly feel that way in my heart.

Love means serving each other and behaving with honor, and maintaining excitement about doing so. Attitude matters.

Goodness extends beyond the Church, to others. I need to bless others, and share in their lives in order to show them mercy and love. This means everyone, not just those I deem worthy - I shouldn't even have that thought in my head at all.

Non-believers are watching, so I must always do good, even if someone has wronged me. Others won't know the context.

I simply need to be at peace with others. God will avenge me if needed, so I do not need to ever seek revenge.

In fact, if someone does wrong me, I should repay it with kindness. God says this will actually make a stronger statement than anything else.

Prayer: God, help me to live my life exactly as you desire me to live. I will be a living sacrifice ... my entire self exists only to do your will.