Bible Text: Romans 12 | Speaker: Darlene Sala | Series: Encouraging Words | It was one of those days when I felt pressured by too much to do, but I was working hard to complete each task–and I was making good progress. Just then my husband asked me if I had time to run an errand for him. Something flared up inside of me, and in my mind I immediately answered him with a very firm “No,” even though my answer wasn’t audible. I’m sure by the look on my face he detected that I didn’t want to do what he needed to have done.

It was not an unreasonable request, and he had asked me very kindly. As I quickly thought it over, I realized that I was the logical one to run the errand. After all, I had more time than he did. So, I said, “Yes,” and started for the car. But inside I was still resentful of being interrupted.

I climbed in the driver’s seat, and as I started the car, I switched on the radio. Immediately I heard the words of someone who was asking, “Have you ever presented your body to the Lord as a living sacrifice?” “OK, Lord,” I thought. “I hear you loud and clear.”

In Romans 12 Paul says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” Yes, I had made that commitment. But doing it in a beautiful, candle-lit service at church or youth camp is one thing. Living out that commitment in everyday life is quite another thing. The Lord and I had some business to take care of right then and there. I confessed my lack of willingness and asked His forgiveness. Then I could run the errand with a heart free of resentment.

You too at one time or another may have offered your life to the Lord as a living sacrifice. But maybe you, like me, need to update your contract. How about doing it right now? I’m sure God would be glad to listen.