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. Romans 12:1

"Living sacrifice," what in the living world is that? Sacrifice calls to mind images of exterminated sheep placed on an altar for the sins of man, so why does the writer connect the word living to this graphic word about death? These two words form one of the great oxymorons of the New Testament and communicate three things about spiritual worship. First, spiritual worship is a process. Second, spiritual worship is perpetual. Third, spiritual worship involves ongoing personal submission - for you are the sacrifice. Note that persistence is needed since the living heart of man is always trying to crawl off the altar. To say this more bluntly, you prefer to live your way rather than God's way, thus you crawl off the altar all the time.

Today, think of everything you do as spiritual worship. The way you act, talk and think. At the moment you find yourself wanting to do things "your way," become a living sacrifice and get back on the altar. Give it all to God in worship and live as a sacrifice.

DO THIS TODAY: Make everything you do a deliberate living sacrifice.

PRAYER: God, may I be a willing living sacrifice for you today and help me to remain on your altar. Receive the sacrifice of my ways as a token of my love for you.