June 3 | Romans 12:1-8

Pamela Mann
Jun 3, 2025
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Give God Your Life

By Pam Mann

In the previous chapter (Romans 11), Paul describes God’s great mercy toward us. Now, Paul coaches us to respond to that marvelous mercy! Give God your life. After all, you know He saved your life. You are no longer dead, lost in your sin. So, live for God.

How does Paul coach us to do that? What does a dedicated life look like? Paul explains.

1) Let go of the world’s priorities. Ask God’s Spirit to transform you by renewing your mind. What changes would your body experience if the Spirit renewed your mind?

2) The result of this renewal is embracing God’s will in your life. Where is God calling you to embrace His will today?

3) Immediately, this renewal has a relational component. The Spirit grants sober judgment so that we see ourselves a part of the Christ’s body, a humble coworker in God’s kingdom.

4) God’s kingdom comes to our fallen world when Christ’s body works together. The Spirit gives us each different gifts so that together we can do Christ’s work in a dying world. Each believer is a living sacrifice, serving God in humility.

Paul is describing a team sport, isn’t he? Imagine the dedicated coach who loves the sport and knows that young athletes learn important life lessons as they train, practice, and play together. The coach asks players to follow a healthy diet during the season. Forget the junk food. Eat fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water. In addition, young athletes need regular sleep. Avoid risky behaviors that cause injury to your body. Your body is not your own, Coach says. You belong to the team. The team needs you in peak condition so you can play your best. You are a living sacrifice.

Such a committed lifestyle is not easy for the young athlete. Friends who are not on the team might entice you to eat, drink, or do what you know Coach would not approve. This is when you refuse to be conformed to the agenda of others, and you embrace the will of Coach for the sake of the team.

And what about you? Who owns your body … your mind … and your soul?

PRAYER

Honestly, Lord, we comprehend the idea of giving our lives to You. But it’s living for You hour by hour that trips us up. Forgive us. Renew us. Lead us to brothers and sisters who also long to give their lives to You. Let us be Your body together, Jesus.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PAM MANN

I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.

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