My last blog entry dealt with the story of two men that built houses--one on rock, and one on sand. A couple weeks ago this parable was used as a supporting text for my pastor's sermon. I read past the portion my pastor used in the sermon (yes, my mind was wandering--I admit it) and was inspired to put action to God's Word. Since then, I've been meditating on what exactly this means. This past week I've been reading through Romans and have been praying for instruction on how to "Live the Christian life." The last few chapters of the book of Romans deal specifically with practical instructions for Christians.
Romans 12:9-21 teaches us about relating to the people around us, Christian or not. Specifically, these verses tell us to:
1. Love sincerely
2. Hate what is evil
3. Cling to what is good
4. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love
5. Keep our "spiritual fervor," serving the Lord
6. Share with God's people who are in need
7. Practice hospitality
8. Bless those who persecute you
9. Rejoice with those that rejoice
10. Mourn with those that mourn
11. Live in harmony with one another
12. Do not be proud
13. Do not be conceited
14. Do not repay anyone evil for evil
15. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody
16. Live at peace with everyone (as far as it depends on you)
17. Do not take revenge
18. If your enemy is hungry, feed him
19. If your enemy's thirsty, give him something to drink
20. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good
I love it when I have a question about a scripture, I pray, and the answer is revealed. Now, my challenge is to take these 20 things, and act them out.
For example: I was wondering how to relate to (or be a witness to) people that have a lifestyle that differs greatly from my own. Now I know--live out numbers 1,7,11,12,13, 15 and 16. Or, as Paul sums it up a few verses later, "...whatever other commandments there may be, are summed up in this one rule: 'Love your neighbour as yourself'" (Rom 13:9). My best witness is to treat all people with the same respect I would like to be treated. I don't have to approve of what they do; in fact, I'm encouraged by Paul to hate what is evil (not "who") and to cling to what is good. Prayerfully, the example of love that I show will make the person in question more receptive to God's will in the future.
My prayer is that God helps me live out these commands. God help me learn what it truly means to "Love my neighbour." Help me to live a life in harmony with others. Help me to let go of my pride. Help me to live a Christian life.
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