Commit To Action, Renew Your Thinking -- Then Do It!

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2 NKJ)

In life, we are faced with good reasons why we should or shouldn't take action. The threat to life is a good reason. The needs of our family are good reasons. Desire for achievement is a good reason. Fear of failure is a good reason. And there is a reason called "because of my past."

This is the reason Paul tells the Roman Christians and me to act in committed faith. Commitment to Christ flows out of what Christ delivered me from.  Commitment to him flows out of his mercy to me. It is because of "the depth of the riches both of wisdom and knowledge of God" and "his judgment . . . his ways" are unsearchable and impossible to discover (Romans 11:30-33).

"All things," including our lives, "are of him, through him, and to him," so he deserves "all the glory forever" (Romans 11:36). "Therefore" presenting myself as a living sacrifice is simply the reasonable thing to do (12:1).

In faith, I refuse to act according to the world's rules. As I consider this teaching closely, the light explodes in my brain. I must think differently! There must be a mental renewal! If I am going to be a living sacrifice for Christ, then I must refuse to think like the world, act like the world, or accept the world's standards. My whole perspective must change to think and act like Christ.

And miraculously, in this commitment to live like Christ and different from the world, I find myself concentrating on the will of God for my life. As I continue in this renewed thinking, living sacrificially for Christ, I discover that God has a plan for me and his plan is good. And as I pursue his plan, I discover that his will is acceptable. It is not beyond my capacity to achieve. His will is perfect!

Dear Father, thank you for your sacrifice for me. Empower me to truly experience transformation by renewing my perspectives and living sacrificially for you. Enable me to discover and obey your will for my life. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Face the Truth. Reject the Fear. Commit Today.