April 10, Romans 12
If you have children, access any media, or have contact with other people in the course of your day, you encounter and practice the art of persuasion. It may be simple and straightforward (“Mommy, can I please…”). It may be subtle and sophisticated (like advertising). But we’re all targets of people attempting to influence our behavior. We do it, too, with family, friends and co-workers. Sometimes it’s manipulative—the persuader will benefit if we do it. Occasionally it’s altruistic—we’re asked to do something for our own good, or for the good of someone besides the person asking. It may come from an authoritative voice, or a pitiful cry for help. But we’re all transceivers of persuasion. We send it out, and it returns to us every day.
Maybe you’ve heard people say, “I’m not going to lower myself by begging you.” Paul wasn’t concerned about that. He had full authority as an apostle to command, but he often chose instead to beseech his readers to obey the Lord. His motives were pure and transparent. Paul wasn’t trying to sell them something or get their vote. He had no devious hidden agenda. He wanted them to obey for their own good and God’s glory. He warned his readers about other powerful influences: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” That’s a reprise of “walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” from a few pages back.
Paul wasn’t afraid to ask for the big things. He wanted the Romans and you and me to lay down our lives as sacrifices to God. In some contexts, that has been a call to martyrdom. But it’s really an appeal for living sacrifices, not bloody, dead ones. It is surrendering self to God’s will. It is using what we have received by grace to bless other members of the body of Christ. It is showing consideration for others and treating them better than they deserve. It is thinking, speaking and acting in ways that authenticate our love for God and neighbor. It is refusing to be overcome by evil, and choosing to overcome evil with good.
What‘s the rationale behind such big requests? Why should we give up self and self-interests? Why share? Why show kindness or honor? Paul says we should do it because we have received mercy from God . Are the people around us undeserving? So are we. Will people take advantage of us? Maybe, but you’ll be happier not lugging around all that negative emotional baggage.
This compacted list of behaviors and attitudes that should characterize our lives is a call for non-conformity to the ways of the world. To live this kind of life, we must be transformed, changed from the inside out. Paul begs us to present our bodies and yield to God’s transforming power. He promises when we do so we will prove to ourselves that God’s way is best.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—April 2022
East Tallassee Church of Christ
Comments