Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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A living sacrifice
Rom.12. 1-8

“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. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Rom. 12:1-2)

Paul talks about Gods mercy, living sacrifice, spiritual transformation, measure of faith and obedient service. As the various parts of human body with its distinct function mutually depend and unite harmoniously in wholeness, Christian’s who are very discrete with distinct abilities must unite and form as one body of Christ. This emphasizes the unity within diversity.
Body symbolizes unity
The church is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), and the Christians are the distinct parts of the body with unique functions. As every part of the body is important for proper functioning, every member of the church ensures the enhancement of the body of Christ. Therefore, all Christians must work in unison to promote unity and maintain a healthy functioning body of Christ. Each member of the body of Christ should serve the church through his or her natural gifts, abilities, dedication and transformation.
Dedication
Paul proposes that Christians should not bring dead sacrifices. We should cast away our pride, prejudice, and power for God’s mission. Our body should always be available for God’s service. He alone knows how to use them for His glory and our growth.  In this context, the word body means the person as a whole. Our hearts, minds and physical energies should be brought to God for him to use to accomplish his redemptive purpose in this world. So we should fully dedicate ourselves to God for his will and for his mission.
Transformation
Once dedicated, we should transform ourselves for the glory of God. Transformation can be done in many ways such as renewing our minds. God has given us precious lives that are valuable to Him. So, one has to use his or her life in such a way as to bring glory to God.
What does the lord want us to do with our lives? The lord wants us to love God and others, have faith in Jesus, confess, witness, give, and follow the commandments. In brief –as Christians we have to do the will of God. During this lent season, let us commit to the lord with dedication and transformation which will lead us to stand against the pattern of this world.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to dedicate and transform ourselves to live the Christian life, so that we may be a living sacrifice according to your will. 
Amen.
Santhosh Abraham, Christos MTC, Philadelphia




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