Reasonable!

The word "reasonable" is defined as rational and in harmony with common sense. It is not the expectation of something that is not possible or beyond a sensible request. We like dealing with reasonable and rational people. However, does that always mark our own actions? More importantly, is it characteristic of OUR LIFE WORSHIP?

After dealing with some doctrinal issues in his letter to the church at Rome, Paul turned the attention toward practical and reasonable CHRISTIAN LIVING. Paul urged. . .

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to PRESENT YOUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE, holy and acceptable to God, WHICH IS YOUR SPIRITUAL WORSHIP." ( Romans 12:1 ESV)

The New King James Version reads, "REASONABLE service" and includes the same footnote as the ESV for an alternate translation of "RATIONAL service." The Greek text has the word "logiken" (from "logikos") which may bring to mind our English word "logic" or "logical". In fact, the English "logic" stems from the Greek "logike".

What is reasonable as opposed to unreasonable? Israel had in the past been guilty of offering worship that God had neither commanded nor had it come into His mind. (see Jeremiah 7:31; 19:5; 32:35) There have been many forms of worship through the ages God never commanded and which could be noted as being unreasonable. Unreasonable worship is that in which pagans would be involved, some of which included -- among other practices -- human sacrifice and the cutting of self. Unreasonable would not be "spiritual" because it is not what God desires. Reasonable is "spiritual" because it is what God desires.

What God has desired is reasonable. He does not desire for us to offering human sacrifice, but rather to give our life as a LIVING SACRIFICE. This includes the use of our body and is not merely what we do when we assemble with other Christians. It is what marks our daily relationship with God as we give our life in service to His Will that is "holy and acceptable to God." Why is it reasonable or rational? Because God is the Creator of life. He is the Sustainer of life. He is the Promiser and provider of life eternal. Therefore, it is reasonable to give our life to Him as a "LIVING SACRIFICE"; our body continually given in service to fulfilling His purposes. It is not something that is over and done with, but ongoing as we live out our Christian faith in practical ways in daily life. May those around us begin to see how RATIONAL living to please our gracious and loving Heavenly Father really is.

Have a great day LIVING YOUR LIFE FOR THE GIVER OF IT!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Christian Living