In verse 5 of chapter 2, Peter tells us that we are living stones (in reference to Christ, THE Living Stone) that are "being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." So my question is, what is a spiritual sacrifice? Have you made any lately?
Monday, January 7, 2008
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4 comments:
I had to think a while about this particular question. My first reaction to the question was just giving up your life to God and doing his will and letting him lead you in all that you do. Then, I started thinking about it again and I think that a spiritual sacrifice starts with a broken spirit. You then have a choice to either turn to God when you are down or to blame your broken spirit on him. I think that it takes a lot to stand up and be grateful and pray every day when you are broken inside. I think you are sacrificing your power and putting it in God's hands.
Amen, Meagan! Wow, I'm grateful for what God is revealing to you. My thoughts are similar. I'm picturing what the old testament sacrifices required: to surrender to God a thing of value, the best of what you had. And to give it to Him through an attitude of worship, praise, and humility... this is where your broken spirit comes in. It is surrendering to him what we hold dear: our power, like you said, our pride, our time, or whatever else He may be requiring of you. Prayer is a sacrifice, as is reading His word, obeying His leading (like speaking to someone about Him, even when you're embarrassed), and going against your selfish nature. And to do that when you are weak and broken inside I think is the ultimate sacrifice, but what glory it will bring in the end!
Well I have been focusing a lot on the broken heart/spirit. By being in the right spirit the sacrifices made are not only acceptable to God but can be inspired by God.
I read a talk by an Elder in our church he said, "The Savior's perfect submission to the Eternal Father is the very essence of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. When our hearts are broken, we are completely open to the spirit of God and recognize our dependence on him for all that we have and all that we are."
In his talk he talks about being broken like you both mentioned but he also brought out a different thought. He said, "Another dimension of broken heart...our gratitude for Christs suffering on our behalf(at Gethsemane). Christ heart literally broke with an all encompassing love for the children of God. When we remember the Savior and his suffering, our hearts to will break in gratitude for the anointed one."
Wow! What a wonderful and perfect example Christ was and is! By reading his word and feeling the spirit with us we remember his greatness. With out Him we are nothing. I know that if I have a broken heart and contrite spirit- that God will help guide and direct me! That help is worth a very great deal to me! So I pray that I will be able to keep a broken heart and make the spiritual sacrifices I need to be open to do his will daily.
1 Peter 4:10
"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another..."
Well this is my first time to post something so I hope it makes some kind of sense my English teacher in High School said I never stay on the topic. He never knew where I was taking him. Hopefully the spirit can help guide you through. Have a great day all!
Not at all, Erin, I could definitely follow you... glad you posted! Jesus did make the ultimate sacrifice, and when we think of how unworthy we are to receive it... it makes me overwhelmed by his love... praise Him!
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