ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

A Very Specific Instruction

Romans 12:1d
this is your spiritual act of worship.

The word "spiritual" used here is translated from the Greek work "logikos" and means "worship which is rendered by the reason or the soul." It is the root of our English word "logic". Think for a moment about where we have been through the first eleven chapters of Romans. Paul asks us to take all of this into account: "Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices--this is your spiritual act of worship." Paul brings forward all that God has done for us; now he tells us that yielding to God's will is our only logical, appropriate, and acceptable response. In fact, it is how we worship Him.
A few days ago my wife Sherry was having some obedience problems with our nine year old daughter Amanda. For those of you who are parents you know that no matter how good your children might be, from time to time they need a reminder. Sherry asked me to intervene. Sherry said to Amanda, "Please pick up your sweater and take it to your room. I've asked you three times Ð do it now." Amanda said, "But Mom, I'm playing. I'll do it after I'm finished." Sherry said, "Now!" Amanda responded, "Mom, can't I do it in a few minutes?" Sherry gave me a look that said it was time for a "Dad moment". I said, "Amanda, your only appropriate and acceptable response is to say, 'Yes, Mom.' Now let me hear you say those words." Amanda came out of her room, took one look at me, and then said to her Mom, "Yes Mom," as she dutifully retrieved her sweater.
Sometimes things just need to be placed in the proper perspective. I think this is Paul's point in our passage today: Obedience to God is our only logical, appropriate, and acceptable response to everything He has done for us. It's just once in a while we need very specific instruction Ð Paul gives it to us today Ð "this is your spiritual act of worship."

In what area of your life are you having an obedience problem? What has God said to you that you continue to ignore? What should be your response? Is it holy and pleasing to God? Today what will be your spiritual act of worship? How will you obey God?

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