by Ptr. Jhun Valeroso
Reading for the day: Romans 12:1-2
“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 (NIV)
The Call to Live Differently
The Christian life is not just about believing the right things—it’s about living them. In Romans 12:1–2, Paul makes a passionate appeal. After 11 chapters of deep theological truth about God’s mercy, grace, and salvation, he shifts to this turning point: “Therefore…” In light of all God has done, here’s how you should respond.
These two verses are among the most practical and powerful in the entire New Testament. They call us to a lifestyle of worship, a transformation of the mind, and a discernment of God’s will. Let’s take a closer look.
In View of God’s Mercy
Paul doesn’t guilt us into obedience—he grounds it in grace. “In view of God’s mercy…” He’s referring to everything he’s just written in Romans 1–11: the gospel, justification by faith, freedom from sin, adoption into God’s family, and God’s unfailing love.
The moment we received Christ as our Saviour, we already received mercy. As Christians, God’s mercy is already on us. Our motivation to live for God isn’t fear—it’s gratitude. Worship isn’t something we do to earn mercy; it’s our response because we’ve already received it.
Offer Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices
In the Old Testament, sacrifices were dead offerings placed on the altar. But now, Paul is calling for something radical: a living sacrifice. He’s saying, “Give God your whole life—your body, your actions, your decisions, your time, your relationships. Everything.”
This is true worship—not just singing songs, but surrendering our whole selves daily. The Christian life is not compartmentalized; it’s holistic. Worship happens when we deny ourselves to follow Christ.
Don’t Conform—Be Transformed
Paul moves from the body to the mind. First, he says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world.” The world is always pressuring us to fit in—to adopt its values, chase its goals, and define ourselves by its standards. This conformity is often subtle, and that makes it dangerous.
Instead, we are called to transformation—from the inside out. The Greek word for “transformed” (metamorphoō) is the same root used for Jesus’ transfiguration and the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. It’s a complete change, not a surface-level adjustment.
But how does this transformation happen? Through the renewing of your mind. This means learning to think as God thinks—saturating your thoughts with Scripture, surrendering lies, and embracing truth.
Apostle Jonathan keeps on reminding us to not to be influenced by the things that we see, hear, and read from social media. These posts are dangerous, if we will not filter them spiritually.
Then You Will Know God’s Will
Everyone wants to know God’s will. And Paul says, when your mind is being renewed, you’ll start to recognize it. God’s will isn’t a mystery hidden in the clouds—it becomes more visible as your mind is transformed.
His will, Paul says, is “good, pleasing, and perfect.” God doesn’t lead us to a life of regret. His will may not always be easy, but it is always best. The more we trust Him and align our thinking with His truth, the more clearly we’ll walk in His purpose.
This kind of life is not easy. But it’s worth it. God is not calling for partial devotion, but for a life fully surrendered—a life that reflects His mercy and brings Him glory.
And to close this devotional, let me quote Apostle Jonathan’s constant reminder to pastors and MBSI students: “Love the ministry more than life”
This reminder isn’t just applicable to pastors and bible students. It is applicable to everyone who wants to follow Christ.
Reflection: When was the last time you offered everything to God, in view of His mercy?
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