Romans 12:1 & 2 have long been favorites of mine, but today as I was reading Romans 12, I got really focused on the next few verses and had to admit I’m not doing as well with them as I’d like. If we’d all work on them, I think church would be even better than it already is!
- Choose Humility (v. 3)
Filter every thought about yourself through Christ; don’t compare yourself to anyone else.
- Give Each Other Grace. (v.4)
We belong to one another; we’re family and we don’t all have the same function. Family is difficult at times because we’re so different & grace is needed because we don’t all respond the same way…and by the way, God set it up this way (so go figure).
- Use The Gifts God Gave You (v. 6)
We all have gifts – given to us by God through His grace, so whatever gift we’ve been given IT’S FROM GOD & THAT’S GOOD! Quit desiring someone else’s gift & be thankful for what God gave you, and USE IT!
We’re to exercise our gift(s); that is – put them/it to use. Failure to use our gift(s) – or simple negligence is like saying to God – “Don’t get me anything for Christmas; Your gifts aren’t that great.”
- Love One Another (v. 9)
We’re to love each other; it’s that simple and profound. This reminds me of a question Andy Stanley posed a while back: “What does love require of me?” In other words, RIGHT NOW – IN THIS INSTANT – IN THIS SITUATION – WITH THIS PERSON…What Does Love Require of Me?
- Hate Evil; Cling To What’s Good (v. 9)
This should be self explanatory!
- Be Devoted To One Another (v.10)
Christians, we’re not just to ask: “What does love require of me?” WE’RE TO BE DEVOTED TO ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE. Oops; how are we doing with this? We’re to be so devoted we actually GIVE PREFERENCE to ONE ANOTHER – and HONOR ONE ANOTHER. Let’s give this a lot more effort this week – month – year – and begin today!
- Don’t Be Lazy (v.11)
DON’T BE LAZY in using what God’s given you when it comes to SERVING HIM & HIS CHURCH. Diligence has to do with our ACTIONS. BE FERVENT IN SPIRIT has to do with having an enthusiastic attitude about serving Christ! Serving Christ through His Church is one of the greatest privileges in the world so demonstrate your gratefulness in Action & Attitude and get busy SERVING!
BJ Rutledge 