“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” (Romans 12:2-5).
An acceptable living sacrifice must have a renewed mind. A fundamental transformation which must occur is the disappearance of the question: “What do I want?” and the continuous presence of “What does my Lord want?” The epic challenge of proving that God’s will is good, acceptable, and perfect is the laser-like focus of a renewed mind.
A practical telltale trait of a renewed mind is sober thinking.
A sober-minded New Testament priest neither overestimates nor underestimates his importance, value, or abilities. He seeks to look honestly and objectively as he takes stock of his strengths and weaknesses.
No one has all the talent. No one is talented in every possible area of life. Therefore, each of us needs to honestly and carefully assess our own uniqueness and how to best use it to benefit others. Assessing yourself and your abilities is not the time for self-pity or envy; it is the proper time for sober analysis and a healthy desire to serve Christ by serving others.
How has God blessed you so you can be a blessing to others?
