Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? To surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship (Romans 12:1 TPT).
A living sacrifice. That means lots of change.
Change works best when it responds to God’s leading and is motivated by love. There are many self-help books but only the Bible offers an internal assist by the Spirit of God.
When we change according to His narrow path, we get supernatural help!
As you walk with Jesus, He will ask you to change – a personal habit, a lifestyle change, a new talent, upping your effectiveness in prayer, or even starting a new hobby.
Following a God of the new, freshness should emanate from your life. There are three habits of “new.”
One: Practice the principle of 90 days
Paul calls this a “living sacrifice.” From decision to permanently changed habit takes 90 days. One of the best business books written calls this “Adopting 90-Day Strategies.”
When God calls you to the new – it means adopting a new discipline or learning something you didn’t want to learn. This is sacrifice, having grace to fail, and leaning on the power of God.
Think diet or learning to Zoom, reading First Steps Conversations, and beginning a one-on-one discipling relationship by Zoom with a new believer in the Philippines (Contact Discipling Another for more information on how to do this.).
When was the last time you had a 90-day living sacrifice in your life?
Two: A renewed sense of calling
God leads through calling. Paul says, “Walk in a manner worthy of your calling” (Ephesians 4:1). Paul further describes calling when he writes “holy sacrifice,” as holiness is becoming what God intends for you.
The TPT translation of Romans 12:1 says, “…experiencing all that delights his heart.” Change must be rooted in calling and motivated by delighting in God.
What is your calling? Ask God if He wants to change or adjust your calling.
I’ve watched Christians seem lethargic but then either a blessing or tragedy happened and their calling became invigorated. Something snapped as God broke through.
Three: Worship!
When someone describes a change in their lives, they often share a song that spoke to them. Great moves of God’s Spirit in history are followed by changing worship styles.
I say this cautiously.
If you tell me the music style that you like best, I can describe the type of church that you attend (or watch online). Your most-liked music reflects when you became a Christian – early ‘70s Christians have difficulty with Bethel and old-time hymn advocates try to avoid both.
Has there been a change in your music? Has worship been renewed in your life? Remember, God wants you to sing a new song.
I’ve observed Christians for 49 years – some incredibly fruitful in their early years and then… well, not so much. Others continue to talk, discuss what they are learning, and give testimony for current victories.
As they age, they seem younger.
One, two, three!