By: Rex Stump
Wauseon, Ohio
Stand out or fit in? In life some of us don’t want to be noticed, so we will just try to blend in. Some of us strive to rise above the crowd and excel.
What about you? As a Christian, it’s clear according to the Apostle Paul’s writings in Romans 12, that we should stand out!
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. (12:2)
According to God’s mercies, grace, love, and the numerous blessings He has given us, how should we respond? We should live a transformed life!
A life in which we live differently from this world. In Romans 12:9-13 we discover what a transformed Christian looks like. One who WILL stand out! Not to get a pat on the back or receive glory. Glory belongs to God.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. (12:9-13)
Paul just told us what a transformed life looks like! A life in which we strive to get along with each other. We can disagree, and we will, but we can still work, worship, and serve together. Let’s just look at verse 9 today.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.
A Christian who is abiding in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit is living a life of love. Real love, not a phony, fake love. If you say one thing about a person and treat them another way, you’re fake.
If you are a Christian, you are commanded to love one another. Treat each other as a brother or sister in Christ. Brotherly love. Not abusive, nor hypocritical.
Again, you may not fully agree with another person’s opinions about sports, work, or politics. But every human is made in the image of God! Every person is created with value.
Picture yourself walking into a store filled with expensive valuable glass items. You wouldn’t act in a reckless way, touching every item. Most likely you would walk slower, look more and touch less, because you recognize the value of the items.
In the same way, treat people, especially those in the body of Christ with value. The transformed Christian loves people in a real and genuine way. Don’t just pretend to love others…really love them!
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Rex Stump is the Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a Pastor at True North Church in Wauseon, Ohio.