Are You Everything the Lord Saved You to Be?

While studying Romans Chapter 12, I was deeply touched by the words that Paul had laid out for his readers . He begins with a plea to present their bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, so that they can demonstrate in themselves that the will of God is good, acceptable, and perfect (1-2). He then encourages them to fulfill their proper place in the Body of Christ with proper humility and zeal (3-8).

Additionally, there's a list of commands to govern the Christian's life and attitude towards love, good and evil, brethren in the Lord, service to God, and response to persecution (9-21).

Taking a closer look at his words, we see that he is asking them to offer themselves (as a living sacrifice) in order to please God. (Romans 12:1) He also issues this warning: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world."; be transformed, not conformed to this world by the renewing of your mind to prove the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2)

Paul stresses that they should serve God together as members of one body. To serve with humility, and not think that they are above all of this. After all, what we are ultimately comes from God. And since they are such a diverse group with many different gifts and talents, they should appreciate and welcome each member for bringing these blessings into the fold. (Romans 12:3-8)

This, in itself, is pretty heady stuff. But then it gets even better! Paul discusses love; Christian love. He tells us right a the start that, "Love must be sincere." (Romans 12:9) What an awesome statement! It describes love in its purest, most basic sense. After all, love must be sincere in order to be real.

In verses 9-21, Paul proceeds to list what we as Christians need to do in order to live together as a God-honoring family. Well, how do you look when you are laid alongside the word of God in this chapter? Is there room for improvement in your walk with your fellow believer? If so, there is no better time than no to make the necessary adjustments in your life so that you will be everything the Lord saved you to be.

Personally, I don't think there is anything in the world harder than living with other people. They never do just like you want them to! But, since I can't control them, I am left with nothing to do but to control myself. Let us be honest about our own lives this day. If there are matters that need to be adjusted, come to the Father and He will see that they get straightened out for you!

Scripture: John 14:24; John 15:12; Luke 10:27; Mark 12:30; Matthew 5:44; Matthew 5:43; 1 Corinthians 13:4; 2 Corinthians 7:15; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:2

Prayer:

God, my Father, may I love You in all things and above all things. May I reach the joy which You have prepared for me in Heaven. Nothing is good that is against Your Will, and all that is good comes from Your Hand. Place in my heart a desire to please You and fill my mind with thoughts of Your Love, so that I may grow in Your Wisdom and enjoy Your Peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

May God bless you,

Elizabeth