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Living Sacrifice: Fully Surrendering to God’s Call

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! It is with great joy and reverence that I share this message about what it means to be a living sacrifice, fully surrendered to God. This is not merely a spiritual concept—it is a call to action, one that challenges us to live our lives with the fullness of devotion and purity.

The Old Testament Sacrifices: A Precise Model of Reverence
In the Old Testament, God provided specific instructions for sacrifices. From the type of animal to its age and method of offering, God was clear in His expectations. Leviticus 22:17-31 gives us detailed guidelines on how offerings were to be made—each aspect pointing to the holiness and reverence required to approach God. These sacrifices were meant to symbolize the dedication and surrender of the people to God’s will.

If God was so specific about the offerings of animals, how much more does He expect from us, His people? As believers in Christ, we are called to offer more than just material possessions or external acts of worship. We are called to offer ourselves—our very lives—as living sacrifices.

Romans 12:1: The Call to Be a Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1 gives us a clear directive:
"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."
This verse is not just a call to physical sacrifice, but to a total surrender of our hearts, minds, and spirits to God. But what does it mean to be a living sacrifice? How do we offer ourselves to God in a way that pleases Him?

To be a living sacrifice, it’s not just about being alive—it’s about living with purpose and intentionality in Christ. In the Gospel of John, we are reminded of this truth:
"In Him was life, and that life was the light of men." (John 1:4)
Jesus is the source of life, and it is His life that sustains and empowers us to live sacrificially. Without His life within us, we cannot truly offer ourselves as living sacrifices. It is His Spirit that transforms us, purging us from sin and renewing our hearts, minds, and desires.

In Genesis 2, we read that when God breathed life into man, he became a living soul. It is this divine life, breathed into us through Jesus Christ, that enables us to live a life of surrender. Just as God breathed life into Adam, He breathes new life into us when we accept Christ, making us capable of offering ourselves back to Him in worship and service.

Living as a Sacrifice: The Process of Surrender
Living as a sacrifice means walking in daily surrender—choosing God's will above our own, even when it’s difficult. It requires purity, humility, and obedience. Here are a few practical ways we can live as sacrifices:

1. Commit Your Body to God
Offer your body as a temple for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This means honoring God with your actions, words, and lifestyle. Your body is not just a vessel for earthly desires, but an instrument of righteousness.

2. Renew Your Mind
Romans 12:2 instructs us to not conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is the process of continually aligning our thoughts with God’s Word, rejecting worldly thinking, and embracing a mindset of holiness and purity.

3. Serve Others with Love
Being a living sacrifice is not a solitary act—it’s a call to love and serve others. Jesus showed us that true sacrifice is about laying down our lives for others. Seek ways to serve those around you, whether in your family, your community, or your church.

4. Embrace Holiness
Living a life set apart for God means rejecting sin and pursuing holiness. Ask God to cleanse your heart daily and lead you away from temptation. Walk in reverence before Him, knowing that your life is a reflection of His glory.

The Burden of Surrender
In the midst of this surrender, there is a burden that the Lord places on our hearts—a call to purity, transformation, and faithful obedience. It is not always easy, but it is necessary for our spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God’s purpose for our lives. The Lord is calling for a life that is fully surrendered to Him, a life that is purified, washed, and made holy through the power of His Spirit.

Conclusion: Living the Life of a True Sacrifice
As you reflect on what it means to be a living sacrifice, remember that it is not just about being alive—it's about being fully alive in Christ. The life you live today, the choices you make, the actions you take—all of these are offerings before God. Will you offer Him your heart, your mind, and your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him?

May you be transformed, renewed, and empowered to live the life of purity that He has called you to live.

Shalom!
                       Written by Oyewusi Abigail
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