By Cathy Ramsey
I have spent a lot of time praying and trying to discern my “gifts.” The skills and training I used in my career do not seem to translate into gifts that can be used in serving God as he teaches in Romans 12. My desire to determine my God-given gifts is a work in progress.
Paul’s words here are a very practical and succinct way to practice living according to God’s will, living in his kingdom. When I rediscovered this scripture in my studies the last few days, I became entranced with it. Wow, this is so straightforward and clear-cut. It really speaks to my geeky brain.
John Lemmon: “The power of the book of Romans, especially when looked at as a journey from sin to salvation is incredibly powerful. The manner in which Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, lays out the pathway to salvation is simply awe inspiring.”
Romans 12 (NIV)
A Living Sacrifice
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Prayer (source unknown):
Loving Father, too often my mind is deflected from Jesus onto the things of the world, especially when times are difficult, but I want to keep my mind on Christ, knowing that this is Your best will for me. I pray that I become increasingly aware of the Spirit's promptings in my life, so that day by day, my heart and mind may become saturated with the lovely Lord Jesus. May His nature be reflected through my actions and attitude and may my life be transformed daily, by the renewing of my mind. Help me to prove in my life what Your will for me is, and may I do only those things that are good, and acceptable and perfect in Your sight – for Your praise and glory, and for the benefit of others. This I ask in the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.
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