If you are denounced for the sake of Christ, you are blessed; for then the Spirit of glory and power, the Spirit of God himself, is resting on you. (1 Peter 4:14 Moffatt)
What do we mean by offering ourselves as sacrifices to God? I believe that it is suffering in doing what is the will of God while denying ourselves of carnal desires. If it means having to suffer in the name of the gospel and of our faith, so be it. If we need to give up material wealth and let opportunities to gain earthly fame pass our way, for the sake of our love for God, then it does not matter at all. Unbelievers may perceive that we are losers, not in the right mental frame of mind, and foolish for devoting ourselves in serving God and living according to the gospel. Our spouses, children, parents, friends, and relatives may denounce us or even persecute us because of our faith. Even then, we know and are sure of the one we are serving. He is our Most High God who gives us the power to overcome and promises us of the crown of glory if we persevere.
