Daniel Fast - Awakening to His Realityਨਮੂਨਾ

A Living Sacrifice: True Worship

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
— Romans 12:1–3 (ESV)

Our world is full of choices, suggestions, distractions, and struggles—all competing for our attention and for a place in our hearts. Many things in the world, and even within our own desires, try to take God’s rightful place. The world and its prince—Satan—crave our worship.

Whenever we embrace the world’s lies or allow its values to shape our lives, we are, knowingly or unknowingly, bowing down to it. But God commands us in Deuteronomy 6:13 to worship Him alone.

One essential aspect of worship is surrender—offering every part of our lives under His authority: our family, children, work, business, time, position, talents, resources, and relationships.

We worship God not to get something from Him, but because He is everything—our Creator, Lord, Provider, Wisdom, Joy, Peace, Guide, Strength, Refuge, and Hope. Whether at home, at work, on the road, or traveling, when we give Him our full attention, linger in His presence, and meditate on His Word, we are worshiping.

Romans 12:1–3 teaches that offering our bodies as living sacrifices and renewing our minds through His Word is the highest form of worship. Obeying His voice, following His ways, embracing His purposes, trusting Him in all things, sharing His love, praying for and helping others, and singing His praise—these are all expressions of true worship.

Oswald Chambers says:
“It is of no value to God to give Him your life for death. He wants you to be a ‘living sacrifice’— to let Him have all your strengths that have been saved and sanctified through Jesus. This is what is acceptable to God.”

Prayer

“Dear Lord God,
I surrender my life and everything You have given me as an act of acceptable worship.
I offer my body as a living sacrifice—including my gifts and talents.
Teach me to worship You not only with words, but with my whole heart and life, both in my family and in my community.
I honor You as my greatest Treasure and delight.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Reflection Questions

1. What will be your fresh offering of worship?
List at least five specific ways.

2. What does it look like for you to present your body as a living sacrifice
in the community where you live?

3. In what area of your thinking is God renewing your mind right now?