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
Living Sacrifices
I suppose the question I should have initially asked is if you are a living doormat? Christians are called to serve the Lord. It’s not that we run the risk of becoming a doormat for another, but rather that we willingly place ourselves in this position. If as a Christian you are not there yet, you will likely object to this notion. That’s ok for now, but know as you mature in your faith, doormat-hood will be something you endeavor towards. And please take note that I did not say, “As you gain more faith,” but rather mature in the faith God has already given you.
Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. Matthew 16:24
Do you want to sense the Lords presence in your life; His peace and pure joy? Then give without any expectations and submit yourself as a living sacrifice, doing His will with no strings attached. In so doing we learn that the abundant life has so little to do with worldly prosperity and so much to do with the ecstasy of being conformed into His image.
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you… Matthew 5:44
Will people walk all over you? I can guarantee that somebody will, but consider the sacrifice and why you opted to make it. Consider what you truly lost and it’s true spiritual value. Now consider the potential gain and how your submission is a blessing to God. What I find to be incredibly amazing [when people walk all over me] is that my Father in Heaven uses that experience to refine and sanctify me. So instead of complaining about a little residual mud, I rejoice about not being the same person I was before the episode.
