meditating on Romans 12:9-21 (part 8)

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 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." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21)

Hi gals. I have truly enjoyed discussing how we are to commit our ways to match our new life in Jesus Christ! Haven't you? This has been a great study that has challenged our motives and focus while reviewing the many important topics that we must adhere to in our Christian walk. Before we finish up (tomorrow), let's pause today and look at verse 16.

12. Live in harmony with one another. I once read a quote from Hudson Taylor that said, "Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards." He meant, do not try to live each day without first praying and meditating in God's word.

As followers of Jesus, we are to regularly study, pray, know and adhere to everything Christ has said. When we deliberately seek after His way - His "melody"... our song becomes His new song and we are able to live our new lives in harmony with one another. What is harmony in the body of Christ? It is a consistent, orderly, and pleasing arrangement of all our parts - a congruity of believers living in Jesus name and in agreement with His new way of life. How wonderful!

13. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Anything we accomplish in this world would not have been possible were it not for God enabling and sustaining us. Because of this, we would be wise to always recognize where our new life and salvation truly comes! For there is none righteous... no, not one. Without Jesus, the only thing we (as humans) can claim for ourselves is sin and death. No person alone is worthy of divine recognition or glory... no one except Jesus! For He is God! He is perfect. He has overcome sin and death so that we may live freely in His Name! So, it stands to reason that the only identity we can boast about is His.

"Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17)

This levels the playing field, doesn't it. For in truth, we are ALL of lowly position. We too were once lost. We too needed help beyond our capability. So, it makes sense that as Christ's followers we must be open to associate with those still broken and without. We must be willing to share His hope to those still hopeless. Why? Because we too were once the same... shameful, lowly, despicable, corrupt. We too had no identity. But we have gained Jesus! So, we must be willing to share the saving difference that we now claim in His perfect Name. We are to daily cling to His plan and prove that those who securely live under His authority may find true freedom from sin and death.

Those who receive Jesus as Lord are redeemed and made NEW! This is the good news of God's eternal, living kingdom! Let us be bold to share Jesus with as many people as possible! Let's get over ourselves so that we may climb onto His bandwagon and claim His identity as our own! Let us only sing His beautiful words - His wonderful words of life! A NEW ETERNAL LIFE!

Ladies, my ongoing prayer for DW's ministry is that we will each sincerely love and encourage one another to choose God first, and follow-through by committing our ways unto the Lord every single day. We are here to share God's good news and praise the mighty Name of Jesus forever and ever!

I pray that we will each live devoted to His saving message and offer His new way of life always. This is the day to rejoice and be glad in Him!!! This is the day to sing a new song!

Blessings!

Victoria

© 2010 The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson