"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of
God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and
pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform
any longer 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." (Romans 12:1-3
NIV)
The three significant phrases of this passage are: (1) offer your
bodies; (2) the pattern of this world; and (3) test and approve.
Offering our bodies to the service of Christ is the theme of the
Casting Crowns song, "If We Are the Body." Offering our bodies as a
living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God includes using our hands and
smile and voice to greet a stranger. Offering our bodies includes
offering our physical strength to help someone in some way. Offering
our bodies includes offering our legs and feet to walk around our
neighborhood passing out fliers advertising our church or passing out
tracts. Offering our bodies includes offering our voice to the Holy
Spirit to proclaim the kingdom of god and teach about the Lord Jesus
Christ.
The pattern of this world includes spending time watching TV,
playing sporting games like basketball, gossiping, evaluating others
based on their appearance, giving money to a charity without really
know just what that charity stands for or does. The world does these
things and thinks it is all just fine. But Paul tells us to no longer
conform to what the world does and thinks. Instead, we are to be
transformed into new creations by giving our minds to the Holy Spirit
so that he may renew it - that is, literally, make it new. Giving us a
new way of thinking and acting. A way which is pleasing to God, not to
the world.
And then, through constant study of the Bible, prayer, meditation,
and consultation with fellow Christians, we must use the tools of the
Holy Spirit to test and approve what we think and do. In this way we
will always be certain that we are doing the good and perfect will of
God.
Peace.
The Bold Witness
Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 01:33 AM GMT [General]
The last thing Luke says of Paul in Acts 28:31 is,
"Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul followed Christ's commandment to "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15) with unfaltering courage and commitment. He went everywhere; preached to everyone, including slaves and rulers; he endured all manner of hardships, deprivation and physical suffering; and he stimulated and instructed a multitude of leaders of the church throughout Eastern Europe. His life as a witness for Christ is a chalenging example for all Christians in today's world.
From the very early days of my new life in Christ, I have felt compelled to boldly witness my faith in Christ in any way and at every opportunity that arises. I allow the Holy Spirit to lead me, and guide my actions and words as I make my way along life's path. And I have found that, as with Paul, the Holy Spirit provides training, friends, inspiration, instruction, and strength. All I have to do is follow the Good Shepherd, and I enjoy a wonderful adventure filled with the love and joy of Christ.
So, be bold. Be brave. And let his voice, the voice of truth be heard throughout the world.
Peace.