God created everything to serve a purpose. Nature and other non-living things in the universe are made for the service of humanity. “He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth.” Believers are created and saved for a daily service of eternal value. Thus, Apostle Paul beseeched the brethren in Rome “by the mercies of God, that (they should) present (their) bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is (their) reasonable service.”

If every creation serves its purpose daily, properly and consistently, without postponement or suspension, we must, as children of God, serve Him profitably and consistently, especially as we begin a new year, regardless of our present circumstances. This selfless service, in turn, earns us reward that lasts in all eternity.

Sanctified believers must be physically and spiritually alive and active to offer acceptable service to God. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

The importance of this passage is underscored by the words used in it: (1) Living. As the sinner comes to Christ, He washes, quickens and makes him to be spiritually alive. (2) Acceptable unto God (Leviticus 22:20).

Only when our sin is taken away can our service be acceptable to God. (3) Reasonable service (Romans 12:1; Acts 6:2). Our primary calling and assignment is to reach sinners with the gospel. We must not allow irrelevant activities distract us from rendering this reasonable service to the Lord. (4) Non-conformity to the world (Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 3:19). If we conform to this world whose “wisdom… is foolishness with God,” our service will not be acceptable. (5) Transformed (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Anyone who would serve the Lord acceptably must first experience a transformation of life. (6) Renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians4:23,24). Since the mind projects our thoughts, imaginations and plans, it needs continual renewal.

Most things do not serve us in their raw state until they go through the process of transformation and refinement. Similarly, earthly elements cannot serve heavenly purpose without transformation. Before anyone can render acceptable service to God, he or she must “depart from iniquity.” Those things that do not contribute to our service for the Lord must be purged from ourlives.

God also wants us to “serve him without fear; in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.” The apostles were able to serve the Lord because they had the grace of God. Such grace is available for us today. Although we might feel insignificant, incapable and ignorant, grace makes us serve God acceptably.

“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear”.

• Further reading (KJV): Romans 12:1; Psalm 104:14. Romans 12:1,2; 2 Timothy 2:19,21; John 12:24-26; Luke 1:74,75; Heb. 12:28. Romans 12:6-8. Romans 12:17-21; Genesis 50:15,19,20; Exo. 32:9-14; Psalm 35:11-14; 2 Cori. 12:15; Rev. 22:12-14.