Living Sacrifice
In a world that pushes autonomy, the idea that our lives and bodies are not our own can feel countercultural—even uncomfortable. The messages surrounding us tend to encourage self-focus with phrases like “It’s my body, my choice” or “You do you, boo.” And while these may sound empowering, they can distract us from the truth. We were created not for ourselves but for God’s glory.
Scripture challenges these worldly narratives in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes: “You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” Our lives are a gift from God, redeemed at the cost of Christ’s sacrifice. This truth should reorient how we live, shifting our focus from self-interests to honoring the One who saved us.
The world emphasizes comfort, self-care, and avoidance of anything that causes you pain. But 1 Peter 4:1 calls us to be ready to suffer as Christ did. “So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too.” Living for Christ means embracing sacrifice, which often involves stepping outside our comfort zones to serve others, endure hardships, and prioritize God’s will above our own desires.
Romans 12:1-2 speaks powerfully about what it means to live a life surrendered to God.
“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. 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.”
What stands out to me in these verses is the call to resist conforming to the world’s patterns. When we choose God’s ways over worldly behaviors, He transforms our minds and reveals His perfect will. This transformation is not just about rejecting sin but about pursuing a life fully aligned with God’s purposes.
This reminder is especially vital for me when I start slipping into the world’s ideas of success. Whether it’s falling into consumerism or chasing milestones to feel adequate, I often find myself measuring my worth by standards that aren’t from God. In those moments, I try to catch myself and pray that my desires align with His.
Instead of striving to meet cultural definitions of success like buying a house or a nicer car, I refocus my heart. I ask questions like: What could I do for God’s kingdom today? How can I better use my time, resources, and talents for His glory?
In what areas of your life do you feel the pull to conform to the world’s standards? Maybe it’s in how you spend your time, how you view success, or what you spend your money on. Whatever it is, know that God’s will for your life is good, pleasing, and perfect. When we resist worldly thinking and surrender our lives to Him, we find freedom and fulfillment beyond anything this world could offer.
Take time today to reflect on areas where you might be prioritizing worldly values over God’s. Ask Him to transform your heart and mind, realigning your desires with His purposes. Let’s commit together to living as holy sacrifices, fully devoted to the One who gave everything for us.
