February 22, 2013
Don't conform—be transformed! Change your hearts by a new way of thinking. THEN (and only then) will you be able to understand and accept God's perfect will for you life and what is pleasing to him.
It is not a position of aggressive maneuvers and being on the offense trying to control everything around you. It is instead a quiet spirit surrendered to the Lord and an acceptance of His teachings. It is understanding the peace and contentment that comes from letting go—and letting God. There is no room for pride in that description. We, as believers, are all part of one body—Christ's. We have a part to play, and we must play it to the best of our God-given ability. God says our love must be real and not just words. Our love should show in our actions and deeds as well.
You can't claim to love, and then by deceitful measures try to take what is not yours. Give more honor to others than you want for yourself. Work hard. Don't be lazy. Be joyful. Have hope. Be patient. Share with others. Pray at all times. Don't try to get even. Relate to others. Rejoice with them when they are happy and feel their pain when they are sad. Live in peace as much as it depends on you. Do not be proud. Reach out to others regardless of social stature. Don't mistakenly think, "It is all about me." Don't try to pay back those who have wronged you. Do what is right. Don't punish others. "Leave room for God's wrath." (NIV - Romans 12:19) Wait for God to punish them with His anger.
It isn't about you. The battle belongs to the Lord. Don't let evil defeat you. Defeat evil by doing good and it will be like heaping burning coal on their heads.
Sound hard? In your own power—Yes. With a surrendered heart—No.
Next Entry: Romans 13:1–14
Don't conform—be transformed! Change your hearts by a new way of thinking. THEN (and only then) will you be able to understand and accept God's perfect will for you life and what is pleasing to him.
It is not a position of aggressive maneuvers and being on the offense trying to control everything around you. It is instead a quiet spirit surrendered to the Lord and an acceptance of His teachings. It is understanding the peace and contentment that comes from letting go—and letting God. There is no room for pride in that description. We, as believers, are all part of one body—Christ's. We have a part to play, and we must play it to the best of our God-given ability. God says our love must be real and not just words. Our love should show in our actions and deeds as well.
You can't claim to love, and then by deceitful measures try to take what is not yours. Give more honor to others than you want for yourself. Work hard. Don't be lazy. Be joyful. Have hope. Be patient. Share with others. Pray at all times. Don't try to get even. Relate to others. Rejoice with them when they are happy and feel their pain when they are sad. Live in peace as much as it depends on you. Do not be proud. Reach out to others regardless of social stature. Don't mistakenly think, "It is all about me." Don't try to pay back those who have wronged you. Do what is right. Don't punish others. "Leave room for God's wrath." (NIV - Romans 12:19) Wait for God to punish them with His anger.
It isn't about you. The battle belongs to the Lord. Don't let evil defeat you. Defeat evil by doing good and it will be like heaping burning coal on their heads.
Sound hard? In your own power—Yes. With a surrendered heart—No.
Next Entry: Romans 13:1–14
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