1 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. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Reflection
- What are some ways we can renew our minds (v. 2) and so be transformed?
- As you think “with sober judgment” (v3) about yourself, what gift (or gifts) do you think God has given you (vv. 3-8)?
- In what ways do you need to begin living more sacrificially before God, other Christians or the world?
- Conclude this time by making this offering of praise: 10000 reasons www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E
Prayer & Journaling:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me.
If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv1-2 only.)
Worship that is authentically spiritual is both act and attitude. Sing “10000 reasons www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E”. Pray that your attitudes and actions will reflect a worshipful spirit.
Proverbs for Today 16:18-21
18 Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor
than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,
and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
21 The wise of heart is called discerning,
and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.