This past weekend I was also reminded of my of my favorite passages of scripture in the entire Bible – Romans 12.
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 NIV
It’s such an encouragement to live a life that follows God. Not to show how good we can be. Not to earn one single thing. But in view of the mercy of God! An old preacher friend of mine used to say if you see a Therefore, find out what it’s there for. So take a peek back in Romans 11
33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
36 For from him and through him and for him are all things.
To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36
Live for him today, not to earn, not to prove, but because of what he has given us – which is well – everything you have.