Renewing Our Mind

Q

How does a Christian consecrate himself totally to the Lord. I am studying Roman’s 12, presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice, and it seems to be almost impossible to totally be committed to him with all the things that draw you from doing that very thing.

A

Romans 12:1-2 says,

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.

In reality, most of us have prior commitments when we decide to live for the Lord that conflict with our goal to be totally focused on Him. Obviously we can’t ignore our marriages, mortgages, and other responsibilities.

But we can stop being so distracted by the non-essential things, because they’re what really keep us from giving our undivided devotion to the Lord. I’ve found the old saying, “When the Lord guides, the Lord provides” to be a remarkably dependable principle that has both kept our family from ever being in need, and prevented us from ever straying off the path He’s placed us on.

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matt. 6:31-33).