Saturday, March 1, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Romans 12:1–8

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, 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 renewing of your minds, so that 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 yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness. (NRSV)

Reflection

I remember a quote, often attributed to actor and director Woody Allen, “80 percent of success is just showing up.” I know there are times I just “show up,” but I remember the times I gave my whole heart and mind to a situation, and what a difference it makes — it is transformational!

This is what Paul so powerfully reminds us — our lives are a living sacrifice offered to God. We must show up with our whole being — our minds, our bodies and our wills — to God’s service.

Transformation is at the core. We are not to conform to the world but to be transformed by God through the renewing of our minds. It means that we belong to God. Paul knew that in an oft confused and confusing world that isn’t always easy to fully show up with the transformational love of God.

Regular worship and prayer, in the community of believers, encourages, lifts us up, and supports us in always reflecting the love of God. Paul reminds us that we are surrounded by a diverse community of believers. We are challenged to humbly live out our faith by serving one another as we build up the body of Christ.

Today, and in the days ahead, let us remember to show up, fully, as unique and authentic children of God every day, and in every situation, in the ministry of God’s love.

Prayer
Lord, help me to present myself as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you. Renew my mind and transform my heart. Grant me the grace to use my gifts to serve others with love and humility. Amen.

Written by Marc Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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