A Living SacrificeSample

"Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all." (Romans 12:17b ESV)

Back in college at Oklahoma State University, I was part of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Sigma Nu’s roots go back to its foundation at Virginia Military Institute, and the founders had very high ideals for this organization of men. There was a creed which we recited often, “To believe in the life of love, to walk in the way of honor, to serve in the light of truth – this is the life, the way, and the light of Sigma Nu – this is the Creed of our Fraternity.”

I must say that these words were spoken but not fully lived by my immature, testosterone-laden, worldly former self. But it always made me think. The Sigma Nu founders, who were part of the military, understood that an organization is much stronger if its members submit themselves to a cause greater than themselves. It is honorable when we see people putting themselves aside to serve others.

By the way, these men must have been Christians or how could they have talked about living a life of Love, a way of Honor, the Light of Truth. They are talking about Jesus. After all, Jesus Himself said,“I am the way, the truth and life.”John 14:6a ESV

And the early followers of Christ in Acts called themselves “The Way”. 2000 years before Sigma Nu was founded, there were followers of Christ who identified themselves with Him, and who wanted to live an honorable life. In Exodus 17:15 ESV, after an encounter with God, Moses exclaimed,“The Lord is My Banner.” This conjures up images of the banners that armies would hoist high above them to identify themselves and their allegience.

If we want to follow Christ – and not just be a believer, but truly become a Living Sacrifice – we must remember, as the Sigma Nu founders sought to do, that we represent our King and we walk in the Way of Honor.