Living Sacrifice

The dictionary defines sacrifice as "anything consecrated and offered to God." As followers of Christ, are we consecrating and offering oursleves to God? How do we even go about consecrating and offering ourselves to Him? Romans 12:2 tells us that we must not be conformed to the patterns of this world. Let's be honest for a moment, the world presses us to conform it's thought patterns. The world tells us that God is distant, far off, over bearing and could care less about His people. The world tells us that God's laws and commands are restrictive and we can be whoever we want to be. Besides, what kind of God would sentence His people to hell if He is so loving and caring?
It is that kind of thinking that hates God for being God. God showed His great love for us by sending His Son, His One and Only Son to die for you, to pay a price for you that you could never pay, so you would have eternal life. You didn't know you needed it. You didn't even ask for it. All He asks for in return is your love for Him.
Romans 12:2 also says that we are to be transformed through the renewing of our minds and when we do that, we will be able to "test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Jesus paid a price for us so that none shall perish. When we offer ourselves as living sacrifices for Him, we become a light in a world that is dark, broken and hurting. We are given the privilege of shining His light so others can see and taste that he is good and will be blessed by taking refuge in Him.