Living the Christian Life

      In Romans 12 the apostle Paul shares with us how Christians should live.  First, live for God.  He tells us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), meaning to lay aside our own desires and follow him, putting all our energy and resources at his disposal and trusting him to guide us. It has been said after our passing, most sum up someone’s life in a sentence.  What is your sentence?  I have not landed on a final sentence, but I like: he made God smile. Or, he followed Christ wholeheartedly.  I hope both of those are accurate assessments of the life I have lived. 
     Second, we are to live differently.  Paul says, “do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).  Renew your mind with his Word and fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). In a selfie world, we are to be selfless.  In a culture of chronic worry, we are to be people of peace.  In a society captured by consumerism, we are called to contentment.  In a culture with a microwave mentality, we are to be a patient people.     
     Third, we are to walk humbly.  Pride is a sin that poisons relationships by looking down on others.  Twice in one verse Paul writes the same idea “Do not be proud . . . do not be conceited” (Romans 12:16).  Pride is spotted in the original fall of man.  Eve and then Adam succumbed to temptation in part because the tempter said, “you will be like god” (Genesis 3:5). “Looking out for number one” is a mantra that eventually leads to deep sadness.  In contrast, Paul shockingly says, “Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). The god of self is a dangerous pretender in comparison to the real God who sits on the throne of all reality.  The path to joy always involves the highway of humility.
     Fourth, we are to love others.  This love has many faces - sharing with others, offering hospitality, coming alongside others in times of joy and sorrow (Romans 12:13, 15).  It is a devoted, tenacious love that even blesses those who persecute us.  I once read a story about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaking from the porch of his home shortly after a homemade bomb had exploded.  His wife and daughter had been home during the attack; thankfully they were unhurt.  Hundreds of his neighbors gathered, many carrying weapons.  Despite the anger and fear that must have swirled within him King said, “We want to love our enemies.  I want you to love our enemies.  Be good to them.  Love them and let them know you love them. . . “ (King:  A Life, Jonathan Eig, 160).  Truly remarkable!
      This is a challenging, even impossible way to live.  Thankfully God sends His Holy Spirit to dwell within us and empower us to make a positive impact.  God has a vision for our lives; let’s start walking it out.
Pastor Derek Dickinson
Journey Christian Church