Why would I choose to compose a blog using a biblical text that so urgently calls us to complete and total submission to our Lord when so many of you are already living sacrificial lives? Besides the fact that the Spirit is leading me in this direction, I hope this blog will encourage you to keep on keeping on! In my personal Bible reading, I am making my way through the first five books of the Old Testament, repeatedly encountering detailed instructions about the sacrifices the Lord commanded the Israelites to offer. These sacrifices were truly at the heart of Israel’s life.

At the same time, I am reading Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God. On every page, I encounter excerpts of Chambers’ writing, expressing in countless ways that his life’s focus and passion was indeed My Utmost for His Highest. So, you, the reader, can understand my meditation upon Romans 12:1–2.

Romans 12:1–2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Romans 12 obviously follows chapters one through eleven, where Paul has already laid the foundation of the gospel. Now, in view of all that God, in His mercy, has given and provided, we are challenged to give ourselves back to Him. The Old Testament sacrifices were set apart for God and His glory. Likewise, we are to be set apart for Him and His glory. What does a life that is totally dedicated to God look like? This passage encourages us to worship Him in such a way that our entire lives are surrounded by the Spirit, and our every thought, action, and motivation give Him full worth and value.

Certainly, this transformation is a daily and lifelong battle. We must ponder His mercy and remind ourselves—and one another—of our Savior’s mercies. This lesson is deeply personal, but it also extends to all those with whom we come in contact. We can never speak, sing, pray, or discuss too often all that our Father has bestowed upon and provided for us. The natural and most meaningful response to His love is complete and total devotion and surrender.

It is of utmost importance that we challenge not only ourselves but also the young lives within our sphere of influence. Do we truly understand lives of sacrifice? Are we able to exemplify the truth of this passage? Are we consistently placing this pattern of living as the norm and expectation for a healthy, fulfilled Christian life? We deeply desire that our own lives—and the lives of those around us—be spent fulfilling the good, acceptable, and perfect will of the Father.

“The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him. By God’s help, I aim to be that man.” —D. L. Moody

Karen Bishir grew up hearing about Jesus' love and forgiveness from a young age, and when she came to understand the message of salvation through faith in Christ, she embraced God’s grace and forgiveness. Raised in a pastor's home, Karen has continued to live in ministry throughout her adult life alongside her husband, Terry, who has pastored Liberty Baptist Church for 37 years. They are blessed with four married children and 14 grandchildren. Karen is deeply involved in Liberty’s music, women’s, and children’s ministries, and her passion for teaching has led her to serve in homeschool, Christian, and public school settings, as well as within the church. She treasures time with children and their families, and her heart’s desire is to see God working in lives across all generations.