This morning, I opened the bible to an interesting scripture passage. It says that our bodies are a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God. We should not be conformed to this world. We should be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We should be willing to take a look at our lives and start over again in areas that need to be changed. We should try to do what is good and acceptable to God. We want do the perfect will of God.
Living Sacrifices to God
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 (NKJV)
Before I opened the bible, I just renewed my subscription to on online exercise program. After my mom was diagnosed with glioblastoma (brain tumor) a month ago, I have been traveling to the hospital and eating meals on the go. And, exercise? Nope, I have not done much of that either, besides the occasional walks. Needless to say, it has not been a healthy month. Last weekend, I stayed with my mom at her assisted living facility. She has an apartment. They have pull cords in each room to call nurses for assistance. Nurses keep track of medication. They have activities and meals served in a dining room. My mom went to yoga, and I went with her. My back was sore from sleeping on the floor and in the recliner. They did yoga in their chairs. I sat in the back and did it too. It felt great. I realized that I needed to start up my exercise program again. The ladies talked to my mom about how it didn’t seem like much while doing the yoga, but they felt the positive effects of increased movement and energy later.
When I read this passage this morning, it struck me that my body is a living sacrifice to God. My body is on loan from God. It is my responsibility to take care of my body. Am I eating foods good for my body? Am I taking good care of myself? I have to take care of people in my life, but I also have to take care of myself. Do you ever feel this way? When you have limited time, what do you cut out? I always cut out things that are good for me, like exercise and meal planning for healthy eating. This passage says that taking care of my body is my “reasonable service” to God. If I wish to serve God, I must spend time taking care of my body.
I can transform myself by starting again. The bible says, “We should be transformed by the renewing of our minds.”
I had a lousy month. I am blessed to have the chance to start again. It should be a daily question. Am I treating my body as a “living sacrifice” to God today?
I don’t have conform to the world’s standards, as the bible says, “do not be conformed to this world”. It does not matter what the world thinks. The world may not like the way I look. The world may love the way that I look. I am not looking for the world’s approval.
I am serving God through the “reasonable service” of taking care of this body that God has given me. I have never looked at it this way. Honor God by taking care of your body and mind.
Embrace This Beautiful Life 
Great reminder, and it goes back to some of the same thoughts that have been going through my mind as of late.
LikeLike
Thank you for your comment. I need reminders often.
God made us, so we are wonderful! 🙂 Have a great day!
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.”
–Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
LikeLike