A Living SacrificeSample

"Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed." (Romans 13:7 ESV)

It is very clear that Paul was not finished at the end of chapter 12 in his strong exhortation to the Roman Christians on how they should live. I remind you that Paul was not one of the 12 disciples nor one of the early followers of Jesus. In the Early Church, he was one of the officials who was persecuting Christians. But Paul was chosen by God for a special work. Jesus came to Paul, after His death and resurrection and ascension, in a bright light, which blinded Paul, literally. (read Acts 9:3-6) It was Jesus, in spirit form, also known as the Holy Spirit.

Jesus put Paul on the fast track, as the Holy Spirit discipled him in a special way. Paul became an apostle, but also a prophet, speaking hard truths in love. He had been an overachiever most of his life and very zealous for the law, but as you watch his life and read his letters, you see Jesus’ calling and touch on his life. He shares a vision of what this transformed life should look like, but I’m sure Jesus communicated to him what He did to the early disciples that the secret to living this Christ-like life is to Abide in Him. (read John 15:1-10)

And this person who abides in Christ will become a living sacrifice. Another term Paul uses often in his teachings is to say that one who walks closely with Christ should be “above reproach.” (read Colossians 1:22) He especially uses this term when talking about who should be leaders within the church. “Reproach” means disapproval or disappointment. Living sacrifices should live lives above disapproval or disappointment. Their lives should be such that it would be hard for someone to make a claim against them.

Specifically, living sacrifices should be trustworthy. They should pay their debts, whether that is to the government, a business or a friend. They should be honest and fair in all their dealings. They should be the first to honor and respect their elders, our military, or police and firemen, and any others whom society has forgotten.

A friend of mine spent some time with one of Billy Graham’s closest people. My friend asked him, “Why Billy?” This man smiled as he had heard this question before. He gave him Billy’s answer. Billy said he was not the greatest Bible scholar or the best preacher. But God just found someone whom He could trust.

I want to be one that God can trust. How about you?