Musings on Romans 12:3

For by the grace which is given to me, I say to everyone that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he should think, but rather to think wisely, each according to the measure of faith that God has imparted to you.
                                       -Romans 12:3 (King Joel's Version)

The grace by which we as believers live in Christ should produce a sincere humility of spirit. It is not self-esteem that is our problem but selfishness. We all too quickly think more of ourselves than we should. Paul’s challenge is that we live in humility, but what is that? One man defines humility this way: "Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in the light of God's holiness and our sinfulness." We should live every day in the realization that our God is awesome and holy and we are sinful. Is your life one that is characterized by humility?

Musings on Romans 12:2a

Do not fashion yourself after this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, in order that you may discern what is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God.
                                      -Romans 12:2 (King Joel's Version)

The thought of being fashioned or conformed to this world is that of taking on an outward appearance (that does not accurately reflect what is inside) of the beliefs of the world (which is dominated by the Devil) around us. Paul's challenge in the beginning of verse two is that if we are in Christ, the actions of our lives should betray that fact. A life not lived displaying Christ to the world is a life of hypocrisy. As a believer is the life that you live an accurate reflection to the world of that fact — that Christ is your Lord?

Musings on Romans 12:1

Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of the mercy of God, that you be offering your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice which pleases God, this is your reasonable act of worship.
                                       -Romans 12:1 (King Joel's Version)

Paul's charge to us concerning what we should do with our lives is based on what God had done for us. When Paul says that he urges us "in view of the mercy of God" he is saying that for the last 11 chapters I have shared with you the great mercies of God which were offered to you in salvation and because of those amazing mercies you should live a certain way. What is that certain way? We aught daily give Him nothing less than our lives and Paul says that doing this is the worship that God expects us to give Him for what He has done for us. Are you worshipping God today by giving Him your life?