Continuing on the picture of a Christian from Romans 12, Paul is just getting on a roll.
Earlier in Romans, Paul described the motivation for why a Christian, a follower of Jesus acts the way he does. Then in Romans 12 he shows the response of living a life in Christ…
In the previous picture from the previous few verses (ch12 v9-10) he showed more about what our personalities look like: the essence of love.
Now he suggest the actions of a Christian..
In the late 90’s and early 2000’s you could spot a South African in a foreign airport from 3 gates away. Drimac jacket (blue or green), Hitech boots… and an infectious smile!
“Let this hope burst forth within you, Releasing continual joy. Don’t give up in time of trouble, but commune with God at all times.”
(Romans 12:12 TPT)
As I read this, I decided that this is a better way to describe it. The NIV says to be “faithful in prayer”, but that feels like a duty… always remember to brush your teeth, don’t forget to empty the rubbish bins… pray before bedtime…
But communing with God at all times, means an ongoing conversation, a life walking and talking with God.
I call my daughter “the Chicken Whisperer” When she goes anywhere near them, the younger chicks especially, will chase her down and sit on her shoulder or arm like a majestic hawk! The levels of confidence of those chicks: “There is nothing we cannot do, beware our wrath!”
Now the chicks can’t spend all their time with my daughter, but we can spend every moment with God.
It reminds me of myself. When I get truly stuck, I often pull myself into myself and go for a walk… For some reason, I always seem to walk around the problem, speaking to God and speaking through the problem. I only recently connected it with Jericho, (and Israelites’ walk around that city)
It’s like God is forcing me to look at the problem from all sides and see it not as an inpenetratable fortress, but just the next step in the path I am walking with Him.
Truth… Problems seem easier to handle when you are not handling them alone.
Next Truth… Problems lose their stature when you face them with a Joyous spirit!
So what does a Christian Look like?
”Be enthusiastic to serve the Lord, keeping your passion toward him boiling hot! Radiate with the glow of the Holy Spirit and let him fill you with excitement as you serve him.”
(Romans 12:11 TPT)
How we walk and talk, how we deal with problems, just looks differently. For sure we don’t always get it right, and maybe that’s why I take a wallk with the Holy Spirit, because I don’t want to get it wrong and hurt one of God’s unbelievers because of my own shortcomings.
(In case you think I made a mistake, or autocorrect hit me… no I did mean what is wrote: God’s Unbelievers)
Jesus died for all. God sent Him for all so all people belong to God. Not all people have a relationship with God, but he would like it to be so… So when Paul instructs us to take an interest in the needs of ”God’s beloved people” I am pretty sure he is not referring to believers who is already part of the body of Christ.
“Take a constant interest in the needs of God’s beloved people and respond by helping them. And eagerly welcome people as guests into your home.”
(Romans 12:13 TPT)
We are supposed to care not just for our own ‘tribe’… but for all people God brings on our path. He already prepared us for it, and provided for it! And we shouldn’t forget it!
Be absolutely blessed today!
