I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. ~Romans 12:1Slithering down in your chair when the teacher is looking for volunteers, or even slipping out the door, is not “presenting your body a living and holy sacrifice”. It's trying to get out of service. When we do that to God (and we do!), we're trying to get out of service, which is not “acceptable to God”, just like it's not acceptable to the teacher.
How many times have you shown up somewhere to help or work with a smile and a willing spirit? How many times have you gotten up in the morning wearing a smile, eager to do even do the dirty jobs for your family--simply because you want to serve them, and so serve God? I'll answer that one (for myself). Not many times at all. Sure, there are times I'm like Donkey jumping up and down hollering “Pick me, pick me!”, eager to serve God as He's wanting me to. Other times I have my heels dug in the ground like a donkey, doing all I can to get out of doing the thing God is asking me to.
Presenting my body--myself--as a living sacrifice is something that I usually have to do on a moment-by-moment basis, and one that I struggle with greatly. Selfishness is like a fence that keeps me caged up, far away from willingness to serve, and far away from peace, joy and freedom.
This is one time that I want to be like Donkey—always. I want to be willing and eager to do what my Lord and Savior asks of me, and to do it joyfully. I want God to be able to use me.
Pick me, Lord, pick me!
Oh, I LOVE the analogy and the lesson from it is absolutely right on.
ReplyDeleteThanks Patty.
SUPER analogy, dear. I'm also SO rarely that eager to do much of anything, especially related to serving God. Praying I can develop that "pick me" attitude.
ReplyDeleteI've learned in my life that I'm much happier when I offer to do something rather than being told I'm going to do it. By that standard, I should be happy all the time because I should be offering to serve. Great reminder the next time I'm feeling blue.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great analogy and powerful lesson. "Pick me, Lord, pick me attitude." Praying to be filled with a new attitude!
ReplyDeletePeej, I need a book filled with your devotionals, I am so blessed each time I read one. Hugs!
What a challenge you present!
ReplyDelete:giggling: wondering how many times I've had to clean the spiritual erasers in my life. :) Oh, yes. That's me, expert at not making eye contact in hopes I won't get called on. God give me the courage and the willing heart I need to do what you ask of me.
ReplyDeleteThis is something I really struggle with at times so I'm praying for willingness, eagerness and a good attitude as I do things. =]
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, ladies.
I start out strong, but along the way, my servant's heart gets less and less visible. The work involved in being a servant for the Lord, emotional and often just plain physical, can make me change my mind quickly. I have to develop that prayer that says "I'll rely on You, Lord, to help me keep going and to be enthusiastic about it, too!"
ReplyDeleteWow. This one is very convicting. I'm guilty of hanging back, waiting for someone else to step up and then wishing I had. The Lord is slowly tugging me out of my comfort zone. I need to move forward - sooner rather than later. Thanks, Patty, for the nudge :)
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