The word holy means set apart. Set apart from what? With regard to our bodies, we are to be set apart from sexual immorality, from worship of idols, and from desires of the flesh (like gluttony, greed, and covetousness). Today’s verse shows us that this is spiritual worship, not worship with words but worship with our lives. 

To present ourselves to God also involves time and being intentional. Jesus is coming soon. Beyond that, each of us only has a little time on this earth. Don't get caught up in trivial things. Remember the Great Commission that Jesus gave to every believer to go and make disciples for him, teaching others to obey him, and baptizing them. Speak about and show someone the love of God and you may draw them into the most important conversation they will ever have. The one that will lead them to Christ. Maybe you are helping to break up the hard ground in their heart. Maybe you are planting a seed. Maybe you are helping a seed of faith grow. You could be the very reason someone chooses to believe in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

 

We’ll never walk with God’s glory in our lives unless we are sacrificing. Will you prepare yourself to be holy and acceptable to God? Will you make yourself available to be used by the Holy Spirit? Remember what the Lord has done for us. He gave up his heavenly honor and authority to come to earth, experience our sorrow and temptations without sinning, and be a sacrifice for sin. He rose again in triumph over sin and death. We get to participate with God! We get to share in his sacrifice, and we will also share in his victory. In Isaiah 30:21 the Lord speaks clearly about the way we are to walk. The straight and narrow way is the way to eternal life. 

Have you decided to follow Jesus? He promised, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25) He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) As the familiar song says, “No turning back, no turning back.”

Querido Padre Celestial,

I thank You that I need not be holy in my own strength. I thank You that I can be crucified with Jesus and I can put my sinful desires to death through the waters of baptism and the power of Your Holy Spirit. Yet, I confess that sinful desires keep popping up, and I need more holiness and freedom. By the blood of Jesus I pray that You would heal my fallen will. By the blood of Jesus I pray that You would heal my backsliding walk. Show me, according to Your promise, the way You provide out each time I am tempted so that I can resist temptation and be pleasing to You.In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Presenting yourself as a living sacrifice does not mean piling religious duties on top of your daily responsibilities. It is a different way of living, in the presence of God. Today, instead of finishing your time of reading and prayer and moving on with your day, invite the Holy Spirit to go with you, to empower you to be holy, and to open your eyes to God’s appointments.