First and foremost, get out your Bible and trust only in its Word. Everyone else could be wrong. Including and especially me. I’m the Jesus Chick… not Jesus. As I laid in bed this morning, I opened the Bible app on my phone and began reading Romans 12; I then bounced out of bed like I’d already had coffee and hurried down the hall to write my thoughts on what God had shown me in His word. If only you and I would take heed and hang on to every breath of His word like a school girl crush we’d be so much better off!
Romans 12
1 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.
It’s only reasonable, when given any thought at all, that we serve God with our entire body. He’s the Creator and Maker of the universe and specifically you and I. He holds our very breath in His hands and has the power to speak life and blessings into existence. Our bodies: everything we put into our mind and body should be holy and acceptable. God is looking through your eyes… what does He see. What did you feed on spiritually (if anything at all) and physically that was going to help you have a healthy, happy day?
2 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
God desires us to prove that He is Who He says He is. He’s challenging us to be spiritually and physically prepared for this day by ingesting His Word and foods that you’d serve to Him if He sat at your table. Or on the couch… as in the case of myself this morning while eating Special K Fruit & Yogurt. Would God have approved… oh I thinks so! Possibly not of my breakfast yesterday.
3 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.
It’s a common colloquialism in West Virginia to hear someone way say “they got above their raisin”, meaning they forgot where they came from. While putting life into perspective today, I only need to look out my window at the autumn colors of West Virginia and I am reminded that this is the season of life that I’m in. It causes me to get serious about what I need to accomplish today for the sake of eternity. As a child of God, He has gifted me with this day… what am I going to do with it?
4-8 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. 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 sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
What gifts did God give us? Don’t say that He didn’t give you any… because if you do you’re a fibber and in serious trouble. You possibly are comparing your gifts to someone else’s (I speak from experience on that one); but God said that we are many in the body of Christ, but our gifts differ according to the grace we are given. God did not give me the grace of a dancer but He gave me the gift of music so that I might play and someone could dance a jig. That for me is life in perspective… use what He gave you, don’t wish for anothers.
9-10 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Dissimulation. Ironically another word for it that is so fitting in this season of West Virginia is “camouflage.” You’ll find few homes in West Virginia without several pieces of camo apparel hanging in their closet. While concealing yourself in the forest is great for deer hunting, it’s a terrible idea when hunting souls for Christ. Our love should be visible to everyone we meet. How’s that working for you? Keep away from things that drag you down and cling to the things that encourage you… the paths you cross today need to see a happy, healthy you!
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
Whatever your job is, do it well. If you’re a secretary, serve God there. If you’re a stay at home mom, serve God there. If you’re retired…. Well… you get the picture.
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Be happy. Troubles come, pray and go on.
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
See a need, fill a need. That’s God’s way and if it’s done with the spirit of Christ’s giving the blessing received in returned is like a little dose Christmas every day of the year.1
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
I’m quickly reminded when I get ready to lash out at someone that I am responsible for Christ hanging on the cross. If I allow myself to soak in that thought there’s no way I can sulk about anything.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
The world needs to know that Christians can identify with what they’re facing today. We need to celebrate with the people in our lives, and when they struggle we need to be there too. Don’t just be a sunny day saint!
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Rich, poor, beggar, drug addict, Sunday School Teacher, Preacher, Doctor, Lawyer, Factory Worker or unemployed; we all come to the cross the same way. We have nothing to present but the bodies we were given, naked and unworthy. Humbling …
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
I won’t say it easy, but God says it necessary. Even if you’re wronged, do right
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Bite your tongue, put your hands in your pockets, walk away, count to ten or do whatever else you can to keep the peace. Only, with God’s stamp of approval is it okay to get huffy. Make sure it’s God’s stamp…
19-21 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. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
God WILL take care of it. Smile, walk away and believe it.
And there you have it. Twenty one verses of healthy and happy