A Way of Life
Jan 16, 2024
“It has to work on Monday morning!”
I was listening to a speaker this week talking about walking with Jesus. He said God speaks to us and reveals our unique identity. But it’s not just a “dubbing” as a King might touch a knight with his scepter and call him Sir Lancelot. It has to make sense and work on in real life, otherwise hearing God speak about anything is just so much religion. It has to have practical application.
I think that’s one of the reasons that I like reading the Apostle Paul. He is a “rubber meets the road,” “down to brass tacks” kinda guy. He had knowledge, extensive training in the Scriptures, and even supernatural experiences (his conversion in the book of Acts, and his “being taken into the heavenlies” in his letter to the Corinthians), but all those were subjected to his practical “work on Monday morning” application.
Paul urged us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. Don’t think more highly of ourselves than we out. Do what God has gifted us to do and do it diligently. Romans 12:9-18 makes a great baker’s dozen “To Do” list for believers:
- Love sincerely.
- Hate evil, and cling to what is good.
- Be devoted to one another in love.
- Honor one another above yourselves.
- Keep your spiritual fervor and serve the Lord.
- Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
- Share with people in need.
- Practice hospitality
- Bless those who persecute you.
- Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
- Do not be proud or conceited.
- Don’t seek vengeance.
- And far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
In a world that increasingly seeks division, Paul prescribes a way that will bring us favor with God and man. He concludes Chapter 12 with this instruction: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Not easy, but simple.
It’s our everyday application of a Kingdom mindset. Not religious activity, but righteous living that will work on Monday and every other day of the week.
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates fromĀ Talk & Pray.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.