I prefer to use a charcoal grill over a gas grill. I enjoy the extra challenge of regulating the heat without the knobs of a propane grill. But even more, I love the smell. There are few things that smell as good as a charcoal grill. It always brings back memories of my grandfather standing over his grill. The inviting scent grabs people’s attention and fills them with anticipation and excitement.
The Bible says that God enjoys a pleasing aroma as well. In the Old Testament, He established a system of animal sacrifice for forgiveness and worship, and said these sacrifices were a pleasing aroma. As Christians today, we live under the new covenant of Christ as the one sacrifice for all sins. In response to what God has done through the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are called to live in obedience to Him. Reflecting on God’s authority and goodness, Romans 12:1-2 tells us to live each day as an expression of worship.
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:1-2
- We are called to live as a sacrifice
Unlike Old testament sacrifices that had to die, we are told to continue living for the glory of God. This means being different from the sinful world so that God can do what He wants in our lives. We are told that this obedience brings God great pleasure.
- Living as a sacrifice leads to being shaped by God
The world is in constant rebellion to God, and it wants us to conform to its norms and values. Instead, we must be intentional to let God shape our lives from the inside. We do this by focusing on the glory of His kingdom and the promised return of Christ.
- Living as a sacrifice leads us to become who God designed us to be
Gold must be refined after it is mined to remove impurities. Similarly, God refines those who believe in Him by removing the impurities of sin from our minds. We are transformed from living in sin to reflecting the character and holiness of Jesus.
Every circumstance we find ourselves in is an opportunity to be set apart from the world and glorify God. When we live as an everyday worshipper, God is pleased with the aroma of our lives.
– If you’d like to hear the full message, click HERE