So simple. 2 verses. Yet so hard. So hard that we can’t do it no matter how hard we try. And that’s Paul’s point. We can’t do it, but God has given us access to His strength and Himself in the form of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We just need to quit trying to do it on our own, focus on God and His mercies, and He will transform us into new persons.

What does it look like to be a living sacrifice?

My Ordinary Life	My Life in Community
Eating, Sleeping, & exercise: Do I show care for my body as a temple of God?	Do I model my behavior on Jesus Christ or on the world?
Does God care what I wear?	Do I look at others through the lens of Christ or through cultural biases?
Can others at home, work, school, or hanging out tell that I am a God-follower?	“God made me this way.” Do I use my character traits and skills for His glory or mine?
Do my words reflect what I think? And does that line up with God’s thoughts?	Do I admit my sin, ask God for help, and allow Him to transform me into a new person?
Do I demand perfection of myself and others?	Does God demand perfection from me and other?
I’m trying!!	God, I need your help.

I believe that to be a living sacrifice, I need to be reflecting God’s light. The only way I can do that is: (1) embrace God’s mercies for me and choose to focus (and re-focus) on Him as the lens through which I see life. (2) realize my sinful tendencies, admit my mistakes, and say to God, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Matt 9:24) (3) Watch and listen for Holy Spirit promptings in order to recognize what He wants from meand quickly respond to it.

This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.
Romans 12:2b TPT

As a lighthouse, may I draw people to you for salvation. As I walk around, may your light reflect off of me. May I spend time each day basking in your light. May I be a safe place of warmth and comfort, filled with soft light. And, as an author, may I light up Your Words, Lord, and make them accessible to others.