Living Sacrifices // Romans 12:1
Today’s verse gives us an interesting contrast to the Old Testament rituals of sacrifice. The people would come to sacrifice different animals for different reasons. The Bible mentions some forty times how God enjoys the aroma of a burning sacrifice. Think of the smells when you or a neighbor is grilling meat. God said early on He wanted the pleasing aroma of the burnt offerings, but that wasn’t all He sought.
Isaiah 1 has several verses that probably felt like spiritual whiplash when people encountered them: “11What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?” says the Lord. “I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle. I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. … 13Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me! … 16Wash yourselves and be clean! Get your sins out of my sight. Give up your evil ways. 17Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” We see it didn’t take long for God’s appetite to be spoiled by the rotten behavior of the people. So, let’s skip into Romans 12.
Romans 12:1-2 says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” We read that the kind of sacrifices God wants from us are based on how we live and contribute to the world as opposed to the things we kill and consume. God wants us to be infused with His spiritual life as opposed to our sin-riddled death. We are to learn about the great lengths God took to save and redeem us in Jesus. Then, we are to look at the world differently, because we are reborn of the Spirit, and sacrifice our own sense of self-importance in order to lift up others to the Lord.
God accepts us when we strive for justice, mercy, and humility, living with faith, hope, and love as our compass. Help those in need. Care for the vulnerable. Live the transformed life! Sure, God likes the aroma of a good BBQ just like anyone else, but what He loves is to see us using our lives to point others to Him. Will you?
