In Romans 12, Paul gives specific examples of how we are called to serve due to our faith in Jesus. Joining the military is often viewed as a call to serve our country. We understand that a person may be putting their life on the line by putting on a uniform. Those in the military will have a lifestyle change. They will become part of a team as they submit to authority and endure hardship to complete a mission. The team will depend on each member’s skills, and individuals will risk their lives to save another.
Committed to the Church
Paul tells us that we are to be as committed to our church as one is to the military. The Roman church was divided by controversy and surrounded by a persecuting culture. Yet, Paul gives what he considers to be God’s instructions on how to act:
v.10 – Love and honor each other
v. 11 – Work hard for the Lord
v. 12 – Rejoice in hope, be patient, keep on praying
v. 13 – Help others, and be hospitable.
v. 14 – Bless those who persecute you
v. 15 – Share in other’s emotions
v. 16 & 18 – Live in peace as you are able
v. 17 – Don’t pay back evil for evil
Commitment is a Mindset
These instructions sound lovely, and we like to be around people who act in these ways. But these things aren’t always so easy to do. Paul tells us that God must change our mindset and sinful wills. Romans 12: 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.[1]
Paul says, don’t let worldly thinking control how you value God or people. God has put us together as a church team to accomplish His mission. We will not work together if we are lazy or see others as less than us. We need God to transform our minds and thinking to act toward others in a God-pleasing way. A church that does this is a powerful witness to unbelievers and draws others to God.
How are you called to serve? Listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/believe-live-it
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ro 12:2). Tyndale House Publishers.