“I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service.” ~ Romans 12:1 (CEB)
On Sunday, we talked about a mirror.
When you look into a mirror, what do you see?
You see yourself.
Most of us probably look into a mirror at least once each day without thinking much about it. We check our hair. We make sure everything looks right. Then we move on with our day.
But what if the mirror could become a reminder of something deeper?
Paul writes, “Because of God’s mercies,” offer yourselves as a living sacrifice.
Notice where Paul begins: with God’s mercy.
God does not ask us to offer ourselves in order to earn love, prove our worth, or convince God that we are useful. Grace comes first. We offer ourselves because we have already been surrounded by the mercy and love of God.
And what we offer is more than our money, our abilities, or a few hours of our week.
We offer all that we are.
Our words. Our choices. Our relationships. Our work. Our compassion. Our ordinary days.
That means an ordinary Wednesday can become an offering to God.
Perhaps you listen to someone who needs to talk. You encourage someone who is struggling. You notice someone who feels left out. You give generously. You forgive. You serve. You simply make time to be present.
These things may not seem extraordinary.
But when a life touched by grace becomes a source of grace for someone else, God is at work.
So sometime today, when you catch your reflection in a mirror, pause for just a moment.
Remember first what is already true:
You are loved. You are surrounded by grace. God’s mercy has already come to you.
Then carry this question with you:
God, how can you use me to share your love today?
You may discover that what God wants to use is already looking back at you in the mirror.
Gracious God, thank you for the mercy and grace you have already given me. Continue your transforming work in my life. Open my eyes to the people around me, and show me how my words, choices, gifts, and ordinary moments can become ways of sharing your love. May all that I am become a faithful response to all you have given. Amen.
