It is hard to imagine anyone who has faith in God who has not had those moments when they begin to reflect about all that God has done for them and wonder how they could be so blessed. In those sobering moments of reflection, we look at ourselves and think of how many times we have not measured up to the high spiritual aspirations we set for ourselves. Who has not thought, “What does God see in me, and how can I ever repay Him for what He has done?”
If you have ever had such thoughts, just remember that you are not the first. The Psalmist asked, “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me” (Psa. 116:12)? Hundreds of years later Micah asked, “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow before the High God” (Micah 6:6)?
What shall I give to Him? He already owns the world! Did He not say, “For every beast of the forest is Mine and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the bird of the mountains and the wild beasts of the field are Mine”? All of the gold, silver and jewels are already His. What can I give to Him?
Perhaps, the answer is found in Paul’s letter to Rome. The members there had escaped from the bondage of paganism and false religion. Paul reminded them of the mercy of God. Based upon this mercy, he appealed to them to offer the only sacrifice we have to give to Him which is acceptable. “ 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” (Rom. 12:1).
We do have something to give to God! It is worth more than all the treasures of this earth. Jesus described its worth when He said, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matt. 16:26). Our amazing God has given us the right to decide how to use our souls, and the only choice to be made is to give it to Him! We do not bring to Him the resplendent jewels He already owns, nor the decaying carcass of dead animals—we bring Him ourselves as a living sacrifice.
Look at Romans 12 again. That sacrifice is holy. That sacrifice is acceptable. That sacrifice is reasonable. That sacrifice is service to Him.
Now, here is the question each should consider. Have you ever reflected about what you could possibly have to give to God? Here’s an even more important one. Have you brought to Him the only gift worth more than all the world? Have you given your life to Him as a holy sacrifice of service?