“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 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…Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” (Romans 12:1-2, 16).
Three additional characteristics of the mind of a living sacrifice are given in Romans 12:16.
Be of the same mind toward one another. The sober mind does not think more highly of oneself than one ought to think (v. 3). Because of this, a local congregation of living sacrifices can live in harmony with one another. Personal opinions are not permitted to become sources of friction and disruption to the unity and effective ministry of God’s people. A clear manifestation of this mindset is seen when you rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (v. 15).
Do not set your mind on high things. Haughty thoughts of self eliminate the possibility of focusing your mind on things above where Christ is (Colossians 3:1-2). Because Christ is meek and lowly in heart, we can find rest for our souls in Him (Matthew 11:29). There is no peace or lasting unity among the proud.
Do not be wise in your own opinion. According to James 3:13-17, godly wisdom results in meekness and good conduct; it is not bitter with envy or self-seeking; it does not boast or lie against the truth; it is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Being wise in your own opinion is polar opposite to the mind cultivated and pursued by a living sacrifice which is seeking to demonstrate that God’s will is good, acceptable, and perfect.
