George Whitfield Do you want God to make you an Extra-Ordinary Christian as prayed by George Whitfield? Is this your prayer? Or are you satisfied with living your life, doing nothing out of the ordinary for God? Are you simply satisfied with just going to church? Or does your heart yearn for the excitement and the adventure that you read about in the Book of Acts? The Apostle Paul, who lived one of the most exciting and fulfilling lives as a Christian, emphatically calls all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to an unreserved dedication of their lives in Romans 12:1-2:
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God" The reason why we should dedicate all that we are, have, and can do to God is because of His Great Mercies that He extended our way. God showed His favor to us as undeserving sinners through Jesus Christ's sacrifice. His compassion and tender mercies in turn should melt us into compliance whereby we fully present our bodies to Him. "That ye present your bodies a living sacrifice" The metaphor is drawn here from the animal sacrifices that were brought to the altar of God. The choicest of the flock was selected. It was then brought to the altar. He who offered the sacrifice released all claims to it and devoted it to God to be disposed of at His will. Using the same analogy, the Apostle Paul exhorts all believers to offer themselves to God in the spirit of sacrifice. They are to offer themselves as a free and voluntary offering. They are to be wholly the Lord's property as the burnt offering was the Lord's. No part is to be used for any other purpose. Their entire person is to be presented to the service of God. They are to devote their bodies - their whole selves - their living, vital energies - to God, releasing all claims on their lives. "Holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" The sacrifice of ourselves unto God must be "holy." In other words, it must be without spot, blemish, or defect. When bringing a sacrifice before God, the Jews were forbidden to offer that which was lame, blind, or deformed. That which was without defect was considered as "holy," set apart, or consecrated for God. The sacrifice of ourselves must be free from Sin. It must "not" be done with a divided heart or a polluted service. It must be offered with the Best affections and the Best faculties of our hearts and lives. What makes the sacrifice "acceptable unto God" is when our highest aim is to please God and to do all things according to the written Word. Our "service" is our worship or homage rendered to God. It becomes "reasonable" when it is offered according to the true intent and meaning of the law. It is "reasonable" when our heart and soul are fully engaged in the service. It is only "reasonable" for we as God's property ... by right of creation and redemption ... are to live for His glory in obedience to His Will. "And be not conformed to this world" Do not put on the form, fashion, or appearance of this world, age, or generation. Do not be conformed to the habits, style, and manners of this wicked, luxurious, and idolatrous age. Do not take on the pride, vanity, extravagance, and riotous living of this particular generation.
Be transfigured. Change the form of this world for Christianity. Appear as a new person with new habits. Undergo a radical, thorough, and universal change noticeable by all. How does this happen?
This involves making the spirit, temper, and disposition of the mind new. It involves a complete change for the better. It involves the making new or changing the mind to have new views and feelings.
The word "prove" here refers to the operation of testing or trying metals by fire. Hence the word means to examine, scrutinize, and test by a renewed mind what God purposes to do with our lives. Through a renewed mind we are able to determine God's inclination, desire, purpose, or choice. - It is "good" because it promotes the honor of God and deals with the interests of His creation. - It is "acceptable" because it calls us to do that which pleases God. Nothing pleases Him more than to have us live separated from the vices, follies, amusements, and gaieties of this fallen world. - It is "perfect" because it is finished and complete, lacking no parts. It is free from defect, stain, or injury. - It is "perfect" when it is consistent, carried out, and evinced in all of our circumstances and relations of life we must make Romans 12:1-2 a reality in our lives. We must offer ourselves unreservedly to God in a spirit of sacrifice. That means that every part of our being is to be presented to God for His service, releasing all claims on our lives.
We must make a break with this world and its habits, forms, fashions, and manner of living. We must undergo a radical change for the better. This involves changing our minds to have new views and feelings unlike the world's. Then we will be able to discern God's general inclination, desires, purposes, and choices for our lives. Then we will be able to please God by living separately from the world and consistently carrying out the Will of God for our lives. Then don't hesitate to obey God's Word today. Surrender all to Him without reservation. Consecrate yourself afresh to the Lord. Take your hands off what already belongs to God. Then watch and see how God will use your life for His Glory, Honor, and Praise. 
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