March 24 – LD 12, Day 6: Living for God as Priests

Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Our priestly calling is set forth very beautifully in the catechism.  We do not merely bring our sacrifices to God, but we are called to sacrifice ourselves!  That means that we are to dedicate the whole of our life in self-sacrificing love to God and to our neighbor.  Throughout our lives, we need always to remember- my Christian life is not about me and myself, it is about God and His glory and His will. 

This sacrifice is not always easy.  There are times we begrudge the fact that we need to make the sacrifices.  At times we look at the wicked and become envious for their seeming lack of struggles, as Asaph did in Psalm 73.  But, God does not only will that we sacrifice, He also wills that we do so willingly. 

My comfort is knowing that I am not my own, but I belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.  With that spirit, submit your will to His and live as one who seeks to bring glory, not shame to His name.  Don’t confess Christ and then allow your behavior to stand in the way of your witness.  Rather, confess Christ by your life, and in that way others will see the power of God and His grace in your life.  They will be drawn to you for Christ’s sake.  Remember today that you occupy a special office before God as a Christian Priest, called to reflect the spirit of Jesus Christ who gave His all for the sake of the glory of God and the Salvation of His people.  What a wonderful motivation to live unto Him!