Romans 12

Today’s reading of Romans 12 is an intense call to action. Paul pleads with us to give our bodies to God, in light of all that God has done for us, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He’s calling us to be living holy sacrifices and says that’s the way to worship him. I had to ask myself, am I truly dying to myself? I am not a big fan of suffering or pain; I give in too easily. I feel like I’m being called to fast more, to abstain from the behaviors and customs of this world. I need to commit to myself and be mindful of my time, rather than mindlessly scrolling through social media.

If I want God to transform me into a new person, I have to let the Holy Spirit change the way I think. I have to evaluate myself, to be intentional of my thoughts, words, and actions. To love with genuine affection, to work hard, and serve enthusiastically. To be a genuine Christian, we have to be active; we can’t just go to church on Sunday, never open our Bibles, and expect God to transform us. Where can we serve with enthusiasm today? Can we show kindness or encourage someone today? Are we living intentionally, or just going through the motions? Where can we conquer evil by doing good today?

How can we be authentic Christians?

‘²⁰My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ²¹I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.’
Galatians 2:20-21

Live as Christ, for Christ, now.