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. 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 ESV)

In chapters 1-11 of Romans, Paul has labored to describe our great salvation, including God’s preserving love (ch8). Now therefore, in view of God’s amazing mercy, he tells us to live for God. With your body (v1) and mind (v2), follow Christ. You have been saved by Christ, now serve Him. You don’t serve Him to earn your salvation, but because of it. You are preserved by God (ch8), so now persevere in your faith and walk with Christ.

It is so important that we get the order right. If we think that we must persevere to be preserved, that we must serve to stay saved, then we will slave away on a treadmill of good works trying to earn our continued salvation. But it works other way around. We are saved to serve. We are preserved to persevere. We follow Christ out of love for the one who loves us so much that He will never let us go.

Look long upon Christ. Rest in God your Savior. Keep your gaze set upon Him. Believe in Jesus. And then go forth each day as His servant following Him.

Motivated by God’s salvation for you, press on in your faith and walk with Christ.