“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.” —Romans 12:1, NKJV
When we hear the word “sacrifice,” we often think of giving something up. But Paul takes it further: God doesn’t merely want something from you; He wants you.
Under the Old Covenant, a sacrifice was placed on the altar and died. Under the New Covenant, Paul calls believers to become “living sacrifices”—alive to God and available for His purposes.
Why should we surrender ourselves? Paul says it is “by the mercies of God.” We don’t serve God to earn His mercy; we surrender because we have already received it.
Your hands, feet, eyes, mind, abilities, time, and energy all belong to Him. Worship is more than singing on Sunday; it is surrendering yourself to God every day.
Personal application: Begin each morning by placing yourself on God’s altar. Pray, “Lord, my life belongs to You today.” Then let your choices, words, relationships, and actions demonstrate that surrender. The best sacrifice you can offer God is a life fully available to Him.