Daily Devotional

"Do not be conformed…but be transformed." Romans 12:2 NKJV

What does it mean to give yourself fully to God? (1) It's an act of worship. "Offer your bodies…this is your spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1 NIV). Worship isn't just attending Sunday service, singing praises and saying prayers. "This people…honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me" (Isaiah 29:13 NAS). It calls for surrendering your heart to God twenty-four hours of every day; whether you're alone or in a crowd, at work, enjoying recreation, spending family time, at school, on a date, or just walking the dog. If your heart isn't moving you, your behaviors will only be an act of reluctant compliance rather than one of joyful commitment. Surrendering to God isn't a part-time thing done for your own benefit; it's a full-time act of worship done for God's benefit. (2) It's a response to God's generosity. "In view of God's mercy…offer your bodies" (Romans 12:1 NIV). God doesn't say, "If you don't surrender I will punish you." There's no arm twisting. You don't submit through clenched teeth because of fear; no, it's a response to a debt. Everything God asks is initiated by His giving. Your repentance is a response to His love. Your tithe is a response to His blessing. Your obedience is a response to His promises. You can't outgive God! God's grace is never "a deal," it's the "free gift" of His love to the undeserving (See Romans 5:8). Therefore "in view of" (NIV)—as a rational response to—His mercy, "offer your bodies as living sacrifices." It's your "reasonable service" and it will be "acceptable to God." Summit Christian Center in San Antonio, TX