“Brothers and sisters, keeping God’s mercy in view, I urge you to offer your whole being as a living sacrifice—set apart, honoring God. This is truly the way to worship him.” (pp Rom.12:1)
Heavenly Father, I can’t think of a verse in your Word that better summaries the dynamics and delights of the Christian life. Who are we believers? We are your beloved children—those to whom you are SO merciful, and upon whom you set your 100% unfiltered, unwavering, never-ending affection.
How then shall we live? By keeping your mercy in clear view. The best way to do that is to start every day by preaching the Gospel to ourselves—by “remembering to remember” what you have done for us in Jesus. This means we will never be too preoccupied, enthralled, and “smitten” with Jesus. We’ll never “over-mine” the inexhaustible riches of your grace or be too stunned by the implications of having you as our Father. Fill our 2026 with yourself, Jesus, your Spirit, and everything else you are pleased to give us, Abba.
Precisely because Jesus’ sacrifice for us was, literally, “one and done,” the sacrifice we now offer you merits us nothing but gives you everything. It’s as shocking as it is liberating—we can’t be more pleasing to you than we already are in Christ. For you gave Jesus our sin and gave us his righteousness—what a glorious exchange. We can be more aware and grateful, but we can’t be more saved or yours.
So, what is a “set apart life”? It’s not dour, but delight-enriched; not always easy but immeasurably blessed. You can’t love us more; you’ll never love us less, Father. So, we give you what you have already claimed in the Gospel: Our body, soul, and spirit. Our head, heart, and hands. Our time, talents, and treasure. Our wounds, wandering, and wonder. It’s all yours, Father; and everything Jesus has, you have given to us (1Cor.3:18). Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.
