A Living Sacrifice?

What does it mean to be a Living Sacrifice?

Have you ever wondered, if I’m offering my body as a living sacrifice, like it says in Romans 12:1, then why does it keep crawling off the altar? Are you tired of the diet roller coaster? Tired of losing weight only to gain it back? Are you sick of starting an exercise program only to quit? Are you frustrated because you promised yourself, "This time I will succeed?" My desire for you is that you will care for your body, mind and soul as an act of worship, not guilt. We can do this through joining together in the 90 Day Jumpstart to a New You (www.DonnaPartow.com). I will be praying for each of your success as you lean on God for strength.

When you think of caring for your body, most of us automatically think of diets.1Corinthians 6:19 and 20 is often used as a verse to motivate people to say on diets. It is: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

But taking care of our bodies is much more than just a diet, it’s a lifestyle. I think of it as an act of worship to God. It’s like this -- when we become Christians, the Holy Spirit fills us and lives in us. We no longer own our bodies. “Bought at a price” refers to slaves purchased at an auction. Christ’s death freed us from sin, but also obligates us to his service. Many people say they have the right to do whatever they want with their own bodies. They think this is freedom but they are really enslaved to their own desires.

Who do you belong to?
If you live in a building owned by someone else, you try not to violate the building’s rules. Because your body belongs to God, you must not violate his standards for living.

As people of the Word of God, we are free to eat and drink whatever we want, but in everything we do we must glorify God. "If the Son has set you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36.

What does it mean to you to be a living sacrifice? Send me a note or post on my blog. I pray for each of you to be the people of God He wants you to be, to walk in the spirit, filled with His Word and sharing the Love of Jesus until He comes.

A word of encouragement from Leonard Sweet, from his book Soul Salsa, “Just as the health industry is moving from treating disease to creating health, so the church must redesign itself as a place that creates wellness rather than attends the sick. And wellness incorporates body, mind and spirit.”

Here's to Feeling Fine in 2009!

Sheryl