One Scripture, One Illustration, One Outstanding Explanation.

Scripture

Romans 12:1 (KJV)

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Illustration

Years ago, an old farmer stood at the altar with tears in his eyes and calluses on his hands. He had given his tithe, volunteered his time, and even helped build the church’s new fellowship hall. But on this particular Sunday, he walked to the altar empty-handed. The pastor asked gently, “Brother Joe, what are you bringing today?”He looked up and whispered, “Preacher, the Lord doesn’t want what’s in my hand today—He wants what’s in my heart. So today, I’m not just giving something to Him... I’m giving myself. All of me.”

He knelt and lifted his hands in surrender—no strings, no negotiations. That day, the altar became an operating table, and the old man didn’t walk away the same.

Outstanding Explanation

Paul doesn’t sugarcoat it, does he? He says “I beseech you”— not casually suggest, not gently recommend. He pleads with the church like a man trying to stop someone from jumping off a cliff. Why? Because surrender isn’t a side dish—it’s the main course of discipleship.

A “living sacrifice” is a paradox. Most sacrifices die on the altar, but we’re called to live there. To crawl up every morning, die to self, and say, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” That’s not just Sunday morning religion—it’s daily, sweaty, sacrificial obedience.

And Paul says it’s our reasonable service. In the Greek, logikos—it’s logical. After all Jesus has done—mercy upon mercy—anything less than everything is unreasonable.

We don’t negotiate terms with the cross. We bow to it.

So here’s the call to arms: God doesn’t just want your Sundays, your songs, or your scraps. He wants the whole vessel—barnacles and all. Drop the anchor of pride, hoist the sails of surrender, and let His mercy chart your course.

Until next watch, Pastor Terry—smooth sailing, clear skies, and may your Spiritual compass always point True North: Christ alone.