“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” ~Romans 12:1-2
Paul emphasizes the truth that we’ve all been given grace and a measure of faith. He said we are many, we are diverse, yet we are one body in Christ. We, being many, are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. (Romans 12:5)
As ministers of the Gospel, we are requested to surrender our minds, our will and emotions, even our bodies to fulfill His purpose for our calling. We are urged by the Apostle to use the gifts God has given, with humility and sincerity, resisting the temptation to conform to this world. Paul tells us to be transformed by renewing our minds in surrender, to the acceptable and ultimately perfect will of God.
Paul said cling to what is good, love without hypocrisy and be kind. We are to honor one another, being fervent in spirit as we serve the Lord. We are urged to pursue hospitality and distribute to the needs of the saints, blessing those who persecute us. We are told to honor one another and be steadfast in patience, hope, unity, perseverance, prayer and peace.
Some of the greatest words of advice ever given are found in Romans 12. The ultimate? “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
Cling to those words as you lean into your calling, as you serve the body of Christ and live out God’s will.