Christian Living

Scripture gives us countless ways to live for Christ. Paul's epistles instructed believers in the early church to live out their lives in ways that honor God and bring glory to His name. We all desire to live that kind of life. Romans 12 teaches that it all begins with turning away from the old nature, life before salvation. The first verse of chapter 12 urges us "to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."

We can all nod our heads and say, "that's what I want to do," but don't know where to begin. We find ourselves doing and thinking the same things and, before we know it, we're right back at square one. 

We must first recognize that the moment we are saved, we are given the Holy Spirit, not just as a companion or a close friend. He indwells us, He lives within us, permanently taking residence in our bodies. If we don't recognize this and don't depend on Him, we neglect the greatest gift given to us. We try to live out our lives with the greatest effort we can muster up, but find ourselves lacking. 

Many of us look for a checklist or top ten list for Christian living. If you don't know where to start, take a look at what is "listed" in Romans 12:9-21. Instead of commenting on each one of these, I encourage you to meditate on each one, pray through this list and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and empower you to live out each one. Write them down, put them on sticky notes and post a new one each and every day. If this is what we're instructed to do, and we ask the Holy Spirit to teach us how to live these out, I'm convinced that your life will begin to be transformed.

Love without hypocrisy

Detest evil; cling to what is good

Show family affection to one another with brotherly love

Outdo one another in showing honor

Do no lack diligence

Be fervent in spirit

Serve the Lord

Rejoice in hope

Be patient in affliction

Be persistent in prayer

Share with the saints in their needs

Pursue hospitality

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse

Rejoice with those who rejoice

Weep with those who weep

Be in agreement with one another

Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble

Do not be wise in your own estimation

Do not repay anyone evil for evil

Try to do what is honorable in everyone's eyes

If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone

Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath.

Vengeance belongs to God. Let Him repay

If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he's thirsty, give him something to drink.

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

This list is enough to keep me busy and if I get through each one, I probably need to start at the top again. Please join me as I take on living out this list with much prayer and see what a difference it makes. 

In His service and for His Glory,

Pastor Bryan