I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1

I learned this passage in the King James version which mentions reasonable service as the result of presenting your body as a living sacrifice. Reading it in the ESV sheds a little different light, convicting me. Today I started my day in prayer with “come Holy Spirit” and asking for His help with weight loss, discipline, and self-control.

Then this afternoon I ran into the store and came out with chocolate milk and candy. Twenty-five minutes later both are gone. I exercised no self control, discipline or gave consideration of Holy Spirit.

Yet my desire is for spiritual worship to be my first line of action. I’m grateful for God’s mercy, but I do not want to take it for granted. My body was made to worship Him.

Lord forgive me for the destructive tendencies that I have brought into Your temple. I want to change. I want to worship You in Spirit and Truth with my body.