Romans 12
A Living Sacrifice
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. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
I was told about a television show that is really good. “You won’t be able to stop watching it, it’s that good.” So, I have been watching it. The name is not important because for me it is this, for you it may be something else, but if we are honest with ourselves the results are the same.
Slowly, very slowly, the world creeps in and when we go to meet with God, our words are scripted, if they come at all. The relationship is strained and not by Jesus but by our compromising…just a little.
I watched two seasons worth of this show in about two weeks before I actually made time to fellowship with Jesus. He was distant, but you know as well as I did, He wasn’t distant, I had allowed the world to come between us.
Have you ever heard how to cook a frog? You fill the pot with cold water so when you put the frog in he is unaware of the looming danger. As the water gradually heats up, he gradually becomes acclimated to the heat and is completely unaware he is being put to death.
I am not saying as Christians we can lose our salvation, but our witness and testimony can be lost. Our relationship with God becomes strained and mechanical.
I am torn. I want to finish watching the seasons, but how long do I continue on this path? I used to watch home improvement shows continuously until I realized I was becoming discontent with what I had, even though before watching I was completely content.
Can I watch an episode a week? I don’t think I can be that disciplined. Do I hop out of the “pot” before I get too accustomed to the worldly views and drama?
I should. Tune in next week…
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Jesus, my Lord and my God,
You make all things new. You have made me whole.
Please forgive me when I put things of this world between us.
Please forgive me for choosing unwisely.
Help me, please
Help me to discern when I am in a place either physically or mentally that is not pleasing or honoring of You.
Help me to be in this world but not of it.
I am weak on my own. Thank you for never leaving me.
Your correction in my life gives me peace. I know I am loved when You discipline me. Thank you.
I love You and I am sorry when my actions and thoughts do not reflect my love for You. Please forgive me.
Give me the courage to live and make choices in all areas of my life that honor and please You.
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