Daily Reading: 5-31-16
Romans 12:9-16 The Voice (VOICE)
I trust you had a restful Memorial Day. It is truly important for us to remember and honor the people who have served and died to defend the freedom God has extended. When we honor those who have fallen in order to protect freedom; we honor God. Under God’s authority, we are instructed to despise evil and take a stand against it. Evil gains power through wrong thoughts and attitudes put to action.
As humans, we have a tendency to bury all kinds of negative attitudes and mindsets deep within us. Many times these wrong thoughts are entombed by the stone of self-denial. Some times these wrong thoughts are about ourselves; we can have haughty attitudes. Some times these wrong thoughts are about others; people we are called to love as much as we love ourselves. As Christ’s students, we should expect the Savior—the Living Word—to bring attention to what, in our humanity, needs a holy touch. With that understanding, we need to invite the Holy Spirit to bring us salvation by renewing our minds about others with whom we have issues. Jesus knows what needs to be made holy (process is called sanctification) in our souls (mind/will/emotions). In order to enjoy the glory of the Lord, we must recognize our need for salvation in every area of our being and surrender our attitudes and mindsets for the Lord of Love to bring renewal. Then, holiness can be the exalted action in our lives.
Paul is writing to the Christ followers in Rome; he is teaching them what it looks like to be true to Christ’s calling in how they love one another. Let’s read our passage today by keeping in mind each one of us needs a renewal of attitudes and mindsets about other Christians. Not all of us see things eye to eye, but all of us should pray and ask God to help us love authentically. Living in unity and harmony is hard work!