What Makes a Sacrificial Life?

During a nine-month study on the book of Romans, our small group found ourselves discussing chapter 12 the same week Reverend Billy Graham passed from earth to heaven. Our discussion began with what it looks like to live a life as a living sacrifice, as addressed in Romans 12:1–2.

Romans 12:1–2 (CSB) says, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

Our small group discussed the people in our lives who are striving to be living sacrifices. We listed characteristics they exhibit, including integrity, treating others with kindness, and caring for widows and orphans. We considered how those in the military sacrifice so selflessly for our safety. As the list grew, so did my concern.

The world hasn’t felt safe or kind recently; a heaviness has hung in the air. But until this Romans 12 discussion exploring Paul’s call to live sacrificially, I hadn’t considered how blurry the lines have become between people in my circles who identify as followers of Jesus and those who don’t.

So many compassionate, hard-working people in the world give their time and finances generously because they want to make the world a better place. They value life, and they work to protect and rescue those without voices or rights. Good people are doing profound and inspiring things, while at the same time stating they don’t believe in God, or that they hold a belief in a different god than the God revealed in the Bible. At the same time, others are invoking God’s name to justify hateful acts.

So what distinguishes someone as a living sacrifice? It’s not integrity or kindness; it’s not serving those less fortunate or, in many cases, praying, because these attributes aren’t limited to followers of Christ.

Reverend Billy Graham is highly regarded in most circles, but he didn’t live a perfect life. Both secular and religious reflections after his death acknowledge political missteps, perceived racism, and his absence as a father. These same publications also recognized Graham’s actions to reconcile races under one church roof, his profound impact on the lives of people around the world, and his humble character. Most importantly, they acknowledged that Graham always sought to right a wrong, apologizing when he felt he had misspoken, and spoke publicly about what he learned from his mistakes instead of denying them or attempting to cover them up.

For me, this reflection from later in Graham’s ninety-nine-year life encapsulates his conviction and calling: “Age and Parkinson’s disease have taken their toll, but they have not quenched Billy Graham’s spirit. ‘My mind tells me I ought to get out there and go,’ he said, as he was beginning to feel the effects of his disease, ‘but I just can’t do it. But I’ll preach until there is no breath left in my body. I was called by God, and until God tells me to retire, I cannot. Whatever strength I have, whatever time God lets me have, is going to be dedicated to doing the work of an evangelist, as long as I live’” (Christianity Today).

Billy Graham had tunnel vision when it came to his life’s calling. He knew his lane, and he continued running. He didn’t let missteps trip him up for long. He acknowledged his humanity and God’s strength within him. I believe he is one of the clearest examples of a living sacrifice, but not because of his fame or good works. Graham understood God’s plan for his life, and he obeyed it to the best of his ability, even when it meant time away from his family. He stayed true to his conviction when it required disagreeing with colleagues and fighting cultural norms.

From an outsider’s view, my life bears no resemblance to Reverend Billy Graham’s, and that isn’t changing anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean I have less opportunity or responsibility to strive for the calling Romans 12 presents. Encouragement to live a life focused on glorifying God through words and actions isn’t limited to Romans 12. In 1 Corinthians, Paul encourages the church to press on and run with endurance.

Hebrews 6:10–12 (CSB) says, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them. Now we desire each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end, so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.”

Developing a body, mind, and heart of the kind Paul lays out in Romans 12 isn’t achieved with human strength. It requires a lifelong journey that includes living with integrity, being kind, and serving others. Yet it doesn’t end there. A living sacrifice obediently pursues God’s calling with tunnel vision, passion, and conviction, knowing the prize is in heaven. We may not all have the same calling, but we can live with the same conviction.

I’m so thankful for examples like Reverend Graham. It’s inspiring to consider how he ran his race with humility and integrity for an audience of one. I pray someday others will confidently say the same of me.

Beth Walker is a football coach’s wife and mom of two energetic boys. She strives to encourage those around her to pursue their best lives in Jesus whether she is near the game field, in church, or at the local coffee shop. As a writer, Beth has been striving to find her voice through seeing Jesus in the ordinary and extraordinary of daily life. She blogs at Lessons from the Sidelines.

Photograph © Suhyeon Choi, used with permission