The Cost of Sacrifice

By: Kelly Russell

Thursday, May 1, 2025

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 (NKJV)

In this verse, Paul reminds believers how they obtained God’s mercy in their disobedience. Sometimes we struggle in the areas where we close the door on God. When we say, “Lord, have Your way, except in these areas_____,” there’s probably a shackle binding us there. But every chain can be broken if we'll hand the keys over to God.

We often hear a call to “give your heart to the Lord.” God has our soul at salvation, but He desires every part of us. Jesus’ sacrifice is etched in blood, yet we place ourselves on the altar one moment and then walk away when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. A mindset of obligation or obedience determines if following Jesus is a burden or a blessing. What we believe shapes how we behave.

Our reasonable service is not about perfection, it's about intention. Compromise can seem appealing, but it separates us from our Heavenly Father. If media has corrupt content, look away. If you feel provoked to speak damaging words, be silent. If you are tempted by immoral actions, run away. If your mind wanders to unhealthy thoughts, read Scripture. Always ask, “Does this honor God?” If it’s not pleasing to God, it’s not an option! Integrity leads us on paths of righteousness; sacrifice teaches us the art of surrender.

Paul then urges Christians in three ways of sacrifice:

Living: Jesus sacrificed His all. We are to imitate Christ, choosing to crucify our flesh so the Spirit can live through us.

Holy: As saints, we are set apart for God's service. We are to live blamelessly, honoring God with our bodies and choices.

Acceptable: The Greek word euarestos means “well-pleasing.” We are to live above reproach, and pleasing God should be our passion.

These sacrifices are a spiritual act of worship to God. Under the Old Covenant, animals were sacrificed unwillingly. In the New Covenant, Jesus offered Himself as the sacrifice, demonstrating how to present myself as a willing sacrifice. Only by the mercies of God can we respond properly to Paul’s appeal.

There is a cost of sacrifice. It’s based on the value of our offering and the sincerity of our obedience. Do you offer sparingly or generously? Is your obedience based on duty or devotion? Sacrifice isn’t measured by what we give, but by what we gain—to be more like Jesus in every way!

Read: 1 Chronicles 21:24, Psalm 73:26, Isaiah 46:9, 2 Corinthians 5:9, Titus 1:7