APR 18

Romans 12:17
Memorise Luke 17:10
“We have done that which was our duty to do”

Something reasonable is that which is fair, appropriate and based on sound reasoning. In any situation, logical and sensible people would likely come to similar conclusions. They would apply rational, equitable and just judgment to their decision making, arriving at a conclusion that pleases people.

In Romans 12:1, Paul appeals to our sense of logic and fairness when discussing the service we are to render to the Lord. He begins with the phrase “I beseech you therefore”. He argues that in light of all that we have learnt from Romans 1-11 about our salvation, it really ought to elicit a response from us. He urges us to remember the mercies of God, and all that He has done to save us, and then think of what we ought to do in return. If we are reasonable and fair and sensible, we would realise that it is such a huge debt that we owe to God, and nothing, not even our whole life would be able to repay him. After all, Christ, though He is God, gave Himself up to live as a man, and then die. But why did He die? For us, these unworthy, sinful rebels who were enemies of God, now made righteous by His blood. What an amazing sacrifice!

Therefore, it is most reasonable, and really not too much to ask, that we would present our whole lives, our entire being, to be a living sacrifice that is holy and acceptable unto God. Just as Christ gave himself for us, now that we are saved, we ought to be willing to dedicate our whole life to Him. Every aspect of our life, no longer be lived for self, but as an acceptable sacrifice to God. That means that we must serve God on His terms and not our own. It must be holy and acceptable to God, and not ourselves. We must ensure that the service that we render pleases Him, and not ourselves or anyone else. Only then, can it be considered a reasonable service, one that is fitting both to us and to God.

Dear teen, do you realise the debt that you owe to the God who saved you? Are you living your life for God or for yourself? Do you think your life is one characterised by holiness, and one that would be acceptable unto God?

Thought: Was it reasonable for God to die for me?
Prayer: Lord, may you help me to understand the extent of Christ’s sacrifice for me, and in turn to present my body as a living sacrifice that is holy and acceptable unto God.