Posted on August 5, 2010 at 6:25am.
Sometimes I just get plain worn out. I recently decided that my grass needed to be mowed and I wanted to finish it before company arrived. So out I went on one of our “Heat index over 100” days to tackle the job. A couple of hours later the job was done and so was I! I dragged myself into the garage where I fell on the floor too exhausted to move. I find myself feeling that way in my spiritual walk at times as well. That is why I have been pondering what Paul says:
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11)
Keeping our spiritual energy going is not an easy task. God’s people can sometimes wear you out. So how do you manage to maintain zeal and fervor? Stay tuned until tomorrow. I believe we can find some help.
Posted on August 4, 2010 at 7:15am.
“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)
In some ways hospitality doesn’t sound very spiritual yet it is a gift that expresses God’s love in a very tangible way. You see another person in the Body of Christ in need and you have the means to help - do so. In the times we live in (truth is it applies to all times) you don’t have to look far to see need. While we can’t meet all the needs we see look for one you can meet and practice generosity.
Posted on August 3, 2010 at 8:38am.
So much of Romans 12 focuses on relational Christianity. As difficult as it is, we are called to live with one another and to live out what Jesus taught us in the crucible of relationships. So Paul says - “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Two words, pride and conceit, they stand at the root of what causes many relationships to break down. In fact they are what keeps me from also depended on God - I don’t need anyone, I can do it myself. It is hard to live in harmony when I let pride and conceit get in the way.
Posted on August 1, 2010 at 8:32am.
Here is another thought from Romans 12. “Honor one another above yourselves.”
This is one of the strangest qualities that Christianity embraces - to place the needs and treatment of others before my own needs. It does not come naturally. Everything around me screams that I should look out for me. Add to that my natural selfishness and honoring someone else becomes a very hard choice. So hard that without the control and guidance of the Holy Spirit it would not be possible. Who is it today that you can place above your own life and needs?
