Quiet Moments: Glorify God with your bodies
Glorifying God with our whole being in all that we say, think, and do
Welcome to the fifth devotion in my recurring devotional series, “Quiet Moments” featured in Bethany Lutheran College’s student newspaper, The Scroll. In this installment, we take a look at what it means to please God and offer our bodies “as a living sacrifice.” Read last issue’s devotion here.
“Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy and pleasing to God— which is your appropriate worship.” -Romans 12:1 (EHV)
Think about your daily routine. What do you do to get ready for the day? Surely, you probably take care of your body by taking care of personal hygiene, eating at certain meal times during the day, and remembering to stay hydrated by drinking water. We know, without thinking much about it, that there are certain things that we have to do to take care of ourselves.
In the text above, Paul tells, or rather, urges us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. What does that mean, though? Here, what Paul is talking about, is not necessarily just taking care of our bodies, but using them to bring glory to God. Just as all of the Old Testament sacrifices pointed to Christ, God wants us to use our bodies and our lives to do the same.
God wants you, as a student, athlete, artist, or whatever you may do, to do it because of what He has done for you and to live your life accordingly. As followers of Christ, we recognize that our works do not save us, but that they help our neighbors and they demonstrate an outward sign and reason for the faith that exists within us.
In this season of Epiphany, we remember foremostly how God reveals Himself to all people, both Jew and Gentile. We are reminded that the Gospel is for all people. Let these words of Paul encourage you as you continue to be a light to others and glorify God in all that you do as you tell and show others the reason for the hope that is in you. Amen.