Daily Devotion for January 04, 2025

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Romans 12:1-2.

Paul spent the first eleven chapters of this letter writing deeply on beliefs we have about what God did through Jesus Christ and the implications of that for all people. At the beginning of chapter twelve, he makes a transition. It is as if he says “Now, based on all I have written so far, here is how we are to live our life as the people of Christ.” He begins this section encouraging us to offer our total self to God as a “living sacrifice…” We are to sacrifice our will and old ways to learn and live the will of God (the way of Jesus Christ).

In the invitation I give each Sunday, I invite everyone to either begin or deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ. This involves “unlearning” as well as learning what God’s will is for us. We should constantly be seeking to do away with some of the thinking and ways of this world that have become such a part of who we are throughout our life. At the same time, we are to constantly be seeking to discern the ways of God. Paul put it this way in verse two (of the CEB translation): “Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is - what is good and pleasing and mature.” Are there any new practices or habits you need to build into your daily schedule this year that will help better “figure out what God’s will is…”?

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words:  Creating God, help me to get rid of my thinking and ways that are of this world so I can be more open and receptive to what your will is for my life.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.