“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1
I have a dear friend Bob Lehman who gave me this idea. Periodically in the mail, a person will receive a new bank card, credit card, or other plastic card like AAA, Rewards Card, or health benefits card. There is a new expiration date, and they almost always have a sticker with the following words on it, “THIS CARD CAN NOT BE USED UNTIL ACTIVATED.” There is no doubt you know what I am referring to. And you have probably either activated it immediately or just ignored the sticker and put it in your wallet. The point is activation is required.
What do you think about the idea of activation with Jesus Christ? As humans we have been created by God in the womb of our mother, been given a set of genes by God that enable and possess certain traits such as skills, strengths, limitations, sizes, and other life things. And yet our used activities, choices, environmental surroundings, family history, exposures, practices, and substances activate these traits -and encourage or prevent their growth and use.
Each one of us makes a personal commitment to grow and develop the skills, spiritual gifts, mental capacities and emotional power.
There is a decision of dedication that needs to be made by each person to grow in effectiveness. The stickers on the credit cards are a great illustration - in that receiving the card parallels receiving Christ. Activating the card would parallel being enabled and equipped to be an example of Jesus, a presence of encouragement in the Body of Christ, and a Light unto the dark and lost world in which we live.
Our beliefs and our practices help activate our lives to be faithful. Let's seek Christ.
The phrase “offer your bodies” speaks to commitment. Now ask the question, “Why would God want your body? Why doesn’t God say to offer your soul or your spirit?” I have found that If God owns your body, He owns you. Have you ever heard anyone say, “I can’t make it to be meeting tonight but I’ll be with you in spirit?” That’s a great emotion, but practically it’s worthless. Your spirit doesn’t do anything if your body isn’t there. For some reading this blog today, it’s time to “get activated.” Freshly commit yourself to God and His purposes. Ask God for His power to do His work. Roll up your sleeves. Together, let’s get to work.
