March 05 - Lives in the Light of the Gospel

"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." - Romans 12:1

In Romans Chapter 12, Paul tells us how to put our theology into practice. He tells us that if we understand the gospel, our lives should be greatly affected. Paul encourages us to take two important actions in the Christian life. First, he tells us to observe the mercies of God in our lives, and then we are to offer our entire lives as living sacrifices to the glory of God.

First, we can observe God's mercies in our life by examining our hearts. If we truly grasp the darkness of our hearts, then we can see just how great His mercy is. Imagine if God's pleasure towards us was based upon our thoughts and actions. We would all be headed straight for the pit of hell. However, because of His infinite mercy, we are sons and daughters in His kingdom. Romans 8:15 tells us the Spirit of adoption enables us to cry out "Abba Father."

Secondly, if we understand His mercy then our lives will be lived out in light of this mercy. Our whole life, every area, should be given to the glory of God. We read in 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." From our actions at the dinner table to our actions at work, and from how we spend our money to how much we are involved in our church speaks volumes about our understanding of God's mercies in our life. The daily choices we make in life come from the desires of our hearts. If our hearts don't understand God's mercies then how will our lives reflect His glory?

Do you understand the mercy of God in your life? If so, does your life reflect it? Do you have a desire to let God use your life for His glory? If so, how can He use you?

- Randy Hensley