(1) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (2) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (3) For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (Romans 12:1-3 ESV)
Yesterday I had the privilege of having breakfast with 15 wonderful pastors and leaders here in Hermosillo, Sonora. The topic we studied was the role of the pastor in helping Christians find and develop their gifts and a place of service to use them. The discussion was rich and deep. Two big ideas stood out for me:
- Sometimes we get ahead of ourselves. We jump into teaching, trying to renew their minds and help them discern their personal gifts. Then we are frustrated when they don’t seem committed to learning or are hopelessly unfaithful in service. Could it be that we have not grasped the seriousness of verse 1? Paul is asking us to respond to God’s mercy by presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice. This speaks of a total commitment to service. It means that my life is not my own, it’s His. His will is more important than mine. He also tells me that it may not always be fun – hence the term “sacrifice.” Sacrifice costs me something. Maybe it’s time to ask people for a commitment to the Lord as step one in the process.
- When I ask someone to serve, I am not asking for a personal favor. The service to which they are called is service to the God who saved them, not to me. I am not asking them for my benefit. I am asking them to take a step for their growth and to have a part in blessing the rest of the Body of Christ. I never have to apologize for calling Christians to serve their Savior. No spectators!
It’s a great day to find your place and put your hand to the plow. Do it and don’t look back.
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