Today's Passage: Romans 12

Romans 12 is a chapter of transition. The previous chapters discuss a ton of deep theology and doctrine. From this point on you see the book take on a different focus; how to live the Christian life. With this transition in the chapter Paul hits the ground running.

In verse 2 he warns the church not to "conform" to the ways of the world but to be "transformed" by having their minds renewed. The word used for conform in the Greek implies exterior change but not an interior one. So for us to conform to the world means we look, act, talk, imitate the ways of the world instead of demonstrating qualities that show we are believers in Christ.  The word for "transform" in the Greek is where we get our English word "metamorphosis".

Whenever we think of metamorphosis imagine a caterpillar tuning into a butterfly. The butterfly is not a caterpillar with wings, but rather a new creature. A caterpillar enters his cocoon ans is transformed from the inside and out into something different. What Paul is saying here is that we need to be truly transformed in our way of thinking and not just going through the motions and pretending that things are different in our lives.

Here is the kicker. He is not writing to lost people. Instead he is writing to a church full of Jew and Gentile believers. Just because you are saved does not mean that your entire mind is transformed to match the desires and will of God. As you grow in him you need to understand who God is more and more. As you grow, you will more than likely discover that your views about certain topics evolve because of conviction, revelation from scripture, and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

From here Paul uses verses 3-8 to show that we all have something to offer the Kingdom of God. Like different parts of the body we all have different functions and different purposes. We may be tempted to think that our gifts are not as important as the gifts of others, but in order for the body to be complete and whole, we all need to use our gifts and talents for service in God's Kingdom. (For more on this look at 1 Corinthians 12)

Verse 9-21 give a long list of "one another verses". Verse 9 starts out telling us that love must be sincere. The best way for love to be proven sincere is by evidence. These verses challenge all of us to put our love to action. We are to:

• Hate what is evil; cling to what is good
• Be devoted to one another in love
• Honor one another above yourselves
• Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord
• Be joyful in hope
• Be patient in affliction
• Be faithful in prayer
• Share with the Lord’s people who are in need
• Practice hospitality
• Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse
• Rejoice with those who rejoice
• Mourn with those who mourn
• Live in harmony with one another
• Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position
• Do not be conceited
• Do not repay anyone evil for evil
• Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone
• If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone
• Do not take revenge but leave room for God’s wrath
• Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Doing these things will show that you are not someone that just talks a good talk about love, but instead you have a heart full of genuine Christian love.