The Life of a Christian

The life of a practicing Christian is all about relationships. It’s about how we treat each other and how well we respond to what others may say or do. It is about how we demonstrate sincere love to God’s most beloved creation. 

We all look to Jesus as the example to follow when ordering our lives. But in Paul’s letter to the Romans, he encapsulates the nature of Jesus’ way of living into specific and succinct actions. His words leave little doubt of how we are to live if we are living as true disciples of our Lord.

Paul writes in Romans 12:10-21 saying, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink, in doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”

Paul leaves little doubt of how we are to live with each other and how we are to react to the world around us. We should all truly think about the instructions that Paul gave and find those areas in our own lives where we may need a bit of adjustment. Imagine how blessed so many others would be if we strived to be this type of Christian.

Remember that each of us are a work in progress, being sanctified daily through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The beauty of Paul’s words is that they provide us a glimpse into the mirror of our own lives. 

Take time today to reach out to the Holy Spirit in prayer and ask Him to reveal those areas in our life that may need some adjusting. Pray for His guidance and help in living the type of life that is described by Paul. 

May each of us strive every day to be a better Christian. May we think about Paul’s words and truly reflect on how well we are following his instruction. None of us can be held accountable for not doing what we do not know should be done. However, when we do know what is expected, then the choice, and the accountability, is ours.