Inspirational Message
Inspirational Message: A Living Sacrifice
Paul urged the Romans in the first century AD, to become a living sacrifice by presenting their bodies holy and acceptable unto God. His message is advising us today to live in the same manner. Paul continued by letting us know that this is true and proper worship.
Can Christ, our Savior, bring new life to us? Are we affected by people around us? Paul has asked us not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We are to let God change our thinking. With this wisdom, we will know how to do good and how to please God! Choosing to love Jesus Christ more than self can be a continual lifetime decision.
How does God want us to evaluate ourselves? How are we to think? Jesus Christ brings new life when we think of His kindness. In this passage of scripture, we learn to not think more highly of ourselves in comparison to others. Let us measure ourselves by the amount of faith that God has given us. As a body of believers, we are made of many parts and each of them has its own use. The same principle applies to us today. There are many of us, but we are a part of the body of Christ as well as a part of one another.
How have we been blessed in special ways? God has given us different gifts to use. Being good to others should be done in a cheerful pleasant manner. Let us rejoice that we can help others. It may be well to learn to use the power inside us to believe that all things are possible with God’s help. Jesus Christ came to us on a mission for God. His sacrifice is an offer of salvation for all of us. By His word we are thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Is it possible for us to humble ourselves and act in faith on what He has spoken? What can be done to rid our minds of selfish thoughts? We can always humble ourselves before God, ask for forgiveness for all sins and ask to become more conscious of His presence which can flood us with unconditional love for all mankind!
During an absolute worst time in our lives, God’s love can consume us and help us overcome our many weaknesses. Why not pray to receive Jesus as our savior and to rejoice with others when spiritual growth is observed in a new relationship with the Lord? It is never too late ask, believe and to receive God’s love? What an awesome display of unconditional concern! God is an extravagant giver! He gave His only begotten Son for our salvation. Christ generously sacrificed Himself for us the helpless pathetic sinners.
Let us continue asking God for help in expressing our love to Him. We can humbly use our own words to praise and exalt Him daily. Consider His goodness and thank Him for changes in our lives. We can acknowledge His presence throughout the day. With God’s love and help, we can pass through life’s adversities alive and prospering in Him!
Life in God’s service includes using our gifts for His glory. Our love for others must be sincere. We undoubtedly must hate evil and hold onto what is good while being patient and prayerful at all times. Imagine yourself asking God to bless those who persecute us! Is it possible to show the same concern for everyone? We are also asked to live peacefully with others and not to repay evil for bad deeds. Evil must not conquer us, but we are to overcome evil with good. Let us live as closely as possible by God’s word. With inner strength and courage, we can defy all storms of life. Jesus Christ makes us strong and most assuredly undefeatable!
Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.
