God puts many things in my path to help me overcome my times of weakness. Sometimes I notice them; other times they pass me by, only to be repeated in various ways until I finally see. They sear to the depths of my soul—a stoking of the Refiner’s Fire to burn away the dross and leave a man’s character essentially free of defects. It’s an arduous process that never ends.
As I soldier on, I’ll share the message that has most impacted my walk lately—whether it be ecclesiastical or secular in nature—a little something on which to ruminate. I’ll not discuss, but simply present and let you determine its relevance in your life.
This week’s message comes from:
Romans 12:1-21 (NIV)
A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Footnotes:
- Romans 12:6 Or the
- Romans 12:8 Or to provide for others
- Romans 12:16 Or willing to do menial work
- Romans 12:19 Deut. 32:35
- Romans 12:20 Prov. 25:21,22
(Source: Bible Gateway)
Peace be with you,
ML Swift
ML Swift is a writer of Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult fiction, although he dabbles in many genres.
An Alzheimer’s caregiver for the past ten years, he has published several articles on The Alzheimer’s Reading Room, the largest online website catering to that community, and plans to write a novel about his experience in caregiving.
He resides in Florida with his dogs, Rameses and Buster, attempting to reclaim his side of the bed.
M.L. Swift, Writer 
The gifts are like the Talents – we are given them so that we might use them. Not using them doesn’t please God.
Precisely, Alex. I was also thinking of that parable when reading this passage. Thanks for coming over and sharing!
Some of my favorite too, Mike. Thanks for sharing. I reread them as part of my morning meditation.
Good for you! Yes, I love this passage. It was a part of a series in church titled, “Getting Your Life Back.” Pretty appropriate, yes?
Such a thoughtful post Michael. Letting go of anger and revenge was a sanity saver for me. I come from a long line of women who keep score and look for fairness. It can consume the soul. Then I learned to let all the bad go. God deals with all things and knows motives better than a human mind can. That one revelation brought the greatest peace in my life.
Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord. It takes a lot of trust and faith to let things go and turn it over to God. One must trust that God will handle things, and have faith that whenever and however handled, God’s ways are better than ours. I’m glad you came by and commented, Elizabeth. 🙂
Thanks, Mike. I needed the reminder not to conform to this world but be transformed by the renewing of my mind. I’m constantly in motion trying to renew my mind and stay steadfast in my spirit, but sometimes (lots of times) I fall into the conformity trap without even realizing I’ve fallen until after the fact. Reminders like these and also remembering what we already know (have already been delivered from) is key.
And that’s why I’ve started this “weakly” walk, because things cross my path on a daily—sometimes hourly or minutely—basis. They are reminders, as you say, of lessons learned but not practiced, or entirely new lessons. I just need to keep my eyes, ears, mind, and heart open to receive them.
And if you remember, this is a flashback to my Sunday Quotes that I used to do, except this time I’ll simply put it out there and leave it for the reader to apply as needed (last time I used to write what it meant to me…this is much easier—cut, paste, and I’m done!).
Greetings Michael,
Although I am not religious, I respect your values and ideals. If you believe and it inspires, helps you along your journey, than kudos to you, good sir.
In theme with my ongoing hope, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This is very much what I’ve been doing. Especially as of late.
In peace and goodwill,
Gary 🙂
I’m on a spiritual walk in life, not a religious one, and receive inspiration from many sources. Good advice is good advice, whatever the source, and one cannot deny that this is excellent advice and inspiration.
I’m glad you were able to glean a quote or two. 🙂
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
Southern women are very good at this, bless their hearts. 🙂
Yes, my mom had it down to a tee. 🙂