| Isaiah 42:13 – “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.”. |
The thought of offering our bodies as a living sacrifice sounds like a daunting and maybe even a scary action to take. For it means a willingness to yield our goals, desires, and preferences when they conflict with what we feel is the LORD’s plan and purpose. It requires living out each day operating in self-control.
For many, both in our work settings and personal lives, the rhythm of our days is continually fast paced and frequently interrupted due to unforeseen occurrences. Practicing self-control allows us to respond with patience and kindness instead of frustration. It helps us navigate through inconveniences and derailed plans with graciousness. Plus, it enables us to admit that what we considered the best use of our time, energy, skills, and resources may not align with the LORD’s plans and purposes for that day. Today’s text suggests choosing to conduct ourselves in this manner leads to pleasing and worshipping the LORD.
- Phyllis Hooten
