A Living Sacrifice

by Gary T. Panell

V. Good evening, Raplhie.

D. Yiik!

V. I take it you don't feel too good tonight?

D. Not too good, I had to go to school yesterday.(the other day)

V. Oh, that's right you are going to summer school. Well, what's so bad about going to school?

D. It's not too bad, I just had to stay late.

V. You mean you were punished for something bad you did?

D. I didn't do anything wrong. I had to stay late for something I didn't do.

V. Why, that's terrible! What were you punished for that you didn't do?

D. The reading assignment.

V. That figures, "Ralphie there's something I've been meaning to ask you about,

how are you doing with your alphabet?

D. Oh, great! I'm the world's smartest dummy, I can say it forwards and backwards.

V. Boy, I don't think I can even do that, listen why don't you do that for us right now.

D. Right now in front of everyone?!

V. Well, Ralphie you have been bragging you can do it, so let's hear it.

D. OK, here goes, you ready?

V. Yes, we are ready. Come-on!

D. ABC (turning head backwards)

V. I didn't know you meant that way.

D. Well, what way did you think I meant?

V. I imagine you are taking serveral interesting subjects you like at school. Which is your favorite one?

D. Recess!

V. I should have exspected that, what is your least favorite subject?

D. The teacher!

V. Your teacher? Why don't you like your teacher?

D. Cause whenever anyone does something wrong she always thinks I did it.

V. Well, who usually is to blame?

D. I am.

V. Well, isn't that justice if you get what is coming to you?

D. I guess so, but I sure don't like it.

V. You know I've noticed that you have been rather grumpy lately, Ralphie, what's wrong?

D. I dunno.

V. I don't understand, Ralphie, you have most everything that a person could want look at you, nice clothes, good looks, lots of friends, and a good personality most of the time.

D. I don't seem to enjoy life.

V. You mean you think there is something wrong?

D. There sure is!

V. You know you can never truly have a peace of heart, real joy and blessing in your life unless Christ has first place don't you?

D. I know.

D. I can’t.

V. You mean you have a secret sin in your life that you can’t give up?

D. It’s so little, and I have to have it.

V.But Ralphie, that one little sin, as you call it, will keep God’s joy and blessing out of your life. And that, one little sin, will keep your whole life away from God’s perfect will for your life. The joy of knowing Christ as Lord of your life is so wonderfull you won’t miss that little sin, it will just seem like trash to you, and you will wonder what you ever saw in it or why you wanted it in your life! Will you let Jesus have complete control of your life now?

D. Yes, I do want Christ to have His complete will in my life.

V. Ralphie, there is a verse in the Bible that tells us about what we have been talking about.

D. There is?

V. Yes, would you like to hear it?

D. Sure

V. Romans 12:1-2 says, "I urge 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."

D. I’m going to ask God to forgive me for my sins, and ask Jesus to take my whole life and use it for Him. I want Jesus to be my Lord!

V. Ralphie, I’m so glad for you, but now we have to go.

Please feel free to contact Bible Christian:

Gary Tomás Panell
1211 Pollock Avenue
Zillah, Washington  98953
Email

© 2008 by Gary T. Panell

This article may be freely copied and distributed. Source credit with a link to this website would be appreciated.