There is a very real danger that Christians, surrounded by
the world, will begin to adopt the attitudes and practices of the world around
them. As we saw in Philippians 4, it is
possible to maintain a proper attitude by changing our focus and allowing the
Holy Spirit to have control of our minds.
Romans 12:1-3 advises to avoid falling into the trap of just going
along. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service. And be not
conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me,
to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he
ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man
the measure of faith.”
Because we know we are saved and have no fear of losing our
salvation, it is easy to fall into the mindset that what we are doing is what
God wants and begin to judge others or impose our own ideas on them, as we saw
in Romans 14. We need to realize God has
made us separate individuals and given different abilities and callings to
accomplish his purposes, just as the physical body has different organs to do different
jobs within the body, as Romans 12:4-5 explains. “For as
we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So
we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
Instead of fighting over who gets a particular job or
blaming them for not doing what we think they should be doing, we need to focus
on doing the job God has given us to the best of our ability.. Romans 12:6-8 commands, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to
us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or
ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that
giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that
showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
We need to work at maintaining a proper attitude toward one
another. There are several things we
need to do in order to do the job we are called to do that are different than what the world does. Romans 12:9-21 lists some of those
things.
“Let love be without
dissimulation.” Don’t fake the love,
but love freely, as described in I Corinthians 13:4-7
“Abhor that which is
evil; cleave to that which is good.”Don’t just go along with the worlds
moral standards
“Be kindly affectioned
one to another with brotherly love” Learn to like and get along with each
other.
“in honour preferring
one another; “ Learn to put others needs and wants ahead of your own.
“Not slothful in
business;” Do your job well to the best of your ability.
“ fervent in spirit;” Be sincere and devoted, not just
mechanically doing the job.
“serving the Lord;” Following God, rather than trying to
build one’s own reputation.
“Rejoicing in hope;” Looking
forward eagerly to God’s promises rather than dwelling on current problems.
“patient in
tribulation;” Not getting angry
about curre3nt problems.
“ continuing instant
in prayer;” Prayer is an automatic
response to problems
“Distributing to the
necessity of saints;” Helping other
Christians when a need is seen.
“given to hospitality.” Welcoming others and sharing with them.
“Bless them which persecute
you: bless, and curse not.” Be
friendly and forgiving toward those who mistreat you.
“Rejoice with them
that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”
Be aware of other people’s feelings.
“Be of the same mind
one toward another.” Consider everyone as equals
“Mind not high things,
but condescend to men of low estate.” Make a special effort to reach out to those
who are considered unimportant.
“Be not wise in your
own conceits.” Don’t think you are
smarter or better than others.
“Recompense to no man
evil for evil.” Don’t do some one
dirty because they did you dirty.
“ Provide things
honest in the sight of all men.” Be
open and honest about everything.
“If it be possible, as
much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Go out of your way to get along with
everyone, realizing that some people do not want to get along.
Dearly beloved, avenge
not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance
is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if
he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his
head.” Do not get even. Trust God to make things right
“Be not overcome of
evil, but overcome evil with good.” Don’t
let the evil around you cause you to sin.
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