Romans 12

“I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice …” (v1).  Paul tells us exactly what this “sacrifice” looks like.  We are to dedicate ourselves to developing whatever gifts God has given us for the sake of others: giving, serving, teaching, prophesying, etc (v6-8).  We are to show one another respect, kindness, and forgiveness (v9-16), sharing in each other’s joys and sorrows.  As we live in this way, we demonstrate God’s “good and acceptable and perfect” will (v2).

God is not impressed with public, dramatic sacrifices.  He wants us - bodies, minds, hearts -  to be wholly His.