Being a Living Sacrifice Not a Cutting Sacrifice
By Savannah Parvu
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. 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. Romans 12:1-2
For many years I found myself knee-deep in an addiction. The addiction I had wasn’t the normal kind because it involved pain and self-mutilation. I began a journey of cutting myself.
Have you ever found yourself so overwhelmed with life that you were willing to sacrifice everything? In Romans 12:1-2 we read that we are to offer our body as a living sacrifice.
What is a living sacrifice… and not just a cutting sacrifice?
In the Old Testament, when sacrifices were made, something had to die. There had to be shedding of blood. Being a cutter, I tried to make it okay because rather than killing an animal I could just cut myself and have the shedding of blood. I would lie to myself and say “I’m not harming others.”
What I did not understand though, was… that when Jesus died on the cross His blood was shed for ME. The fact that we are to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice means that God is enough.
He is enough when I’m not.
How do I begin to be a living sacrifice?
Galatians 2:20 shows us the way. It says,
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
I always thought it must be so complicated to be a living sacrifice, but it’s not. He wants us to give our lives to Him and follow His ways. Romans 12:2 goes on to say that we are not to conform to the patterns of this world, BUT be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
To be a living sacrifice, we must transform our thinking and begin to walk and talk a whole new way. When those thoughts begin to invade our minds and lie to us saying,
Nobody loves me!
That’s not true the Lord loves you.
I am worthless!
No! Christ died for you.
Are you living your life in sacrifice to God or to yourself? What are some of the things that you tell yourself? Are you telling yourself things that are true?
When those thoughts take over I encourage you to set your eyes on God.
Will you begin to look at the way God sees you?
Will you begin to realize that HE has already made the sacrifice and by simply giving your heart to Him and daily walking in His truth you become a living sacrifice?
Today ask yourself this question, just like I had to ask myself…
Was Christ’s sacrifice enough or do I think I need to fill in the hole with my own sacrifice?
Father, I am thankful that You have created us to be a living sacrifice for You. Help us to put to death our earthly desires and set our eyes on You. Remind us daily that You ARE enough, and we do not need the things of the world. Let us keep our eyes fixed on You. Amen
For more encouragement, visit Savannah at savannahparvu.com
© 2020 by Savannah Parvu. All rights reserved.
Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Pull up a chair… He’s been waiting for you.
Need a refill? Please join us at the Encouragement Café with Luann and Friends.
The conversation at the Café is always hot and fresh. We invite you to listen in as we gather around the table to discuss everyday life.
Comfort food for your soul is always on our menu, and friends are always close enough to hug. We invite you to join us daily, as our writer’s share how the Lord continues to transform them into His glorious image.
Still craving more…Join us as we grow together in grace and truth through our online bible study.
Stop by Encouragement Café and listen as the girls share life. Find podcasts, videos, Bible studies, prayer, resources and daily helpings of hope, laughter and friendship around our table. We've saved a seat just for you!
Originally published Wednesday, 11 January 2023.
SHARE
