Roman Reflections

These are bits and pieces from Romans 12:

"And so I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind He will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is. . .

Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and alays be prayerful. When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. . .

If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. When other's are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share there sorrow. Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. . .

Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good."

I love this. I love that the ways of God are so different, and so vastly better, than the ways of man. This verse depicts an amazing way to live, a life set apart, exciting, run by different standards. But a life that is worthy. Worthy to present to the Lord in the end. There is so much potential in every life. So much time, so many opportunities, and when these moments are acted upon the Lord is the one who is working and moving and doing. He is the one making changes in the lives of those doing the actions, and of those receiving the benefit of the actions. He is changing hearts, opening eyes, and revealing the presence of a very wonderful secret! How sad to miss out on those moments and those opportunities. How exciting to be a player in the game. It seems that if you participate in this life, you are bound to be "transformed into a new person" who has very little in common with the "behavior's and customs of this world". When you look around and things don't look so great, it's wonderful to think that their is a completely different, and superior way to live! Thank you, Lord!!