Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
During this lent season, many of us discipline ourselves in
different ways to have a closer walk with God.
Some of us abstain from non vegetarian food, or our favourite
delicacies, some keep themselves away from social media, or other forms of
entertainment. We try in different ways to deny ourselves, as a form of
discipline to have a closer walk with God. How do we have an intimate
relationship with God? If we say we are close to someone and know them
personally, we intend to mean that we know their character, their likes and
dislikes, the way they think and speak. In the same way, if we have the desire
to grow close to God, we need to know His character, His mind. Our way of
thinking has to be transformed by the renewing of our mind to align according
to the perfect will of God, as explained in the above verse.
How do we know the
mind of Christ? I would like to share from a Bible study, a few verses, written
by Apostle Paul in the book of Romans, which will help us to understand the character
and nature of Jesus, which we as His followers should desire to imitate.
Humility – Romans 12:3: For I say, through the grace given to me, to
everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think
soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
Let us not think highly about ourselves, but be humble and
teachable, able to accept corrections and learn from others.
Cling to what is
good and abhor evil – Romans 12:9: Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor
what is evil. Cling to what is good.
We all have the knowledge of what is good and evil. We also understand that most of the pleasures
of this world stem from evil desires, and is the most common stumbling block in
our Christian life. The hurdle we often encounter is to resist evil. We cannot
do this on our own. However, when we pray and seek God’s strength, we can
overcome by making our thoughts obedient to Christ, to hold on to what is good
and have the will power to keep away from all evil thoughts and actions.
Respect others – Romans 12:10: Be kindly affectionate to one another with
brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.
Let us honour one another, giving preference to others and
looking out for one another’s interests. We can often avoid arguments and
conflicts when we consider a situation from the other person’s perspective. We
can agree and give in graciously over most issues, when we understand the
reasons behind their actions and attitudes.
Patience – Romans 12:12: Rejoicing in hope, patient in
tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
With the help of God’s strength and power, let us be
patient in our trials, continuing steadfastly in prayer and holding on to the
hope that God is mighty and will deliver us out of all our troubles.
Bless those who
trouble us- Romans
12:14: Bless those
who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
It is difficult to be kind and speak well of those who hurt and trouble us. But this is what Jesus expects of us. Christian life is lived not by feelings but by faith and obedience to the word of God. Even if we do not feel like blessing those who hurt us, in obedience to Christ, we should make a conscious decision to pray for them and talk well of them. When we do so, we will receive the blessing of God in our own lives. Forgive them just as Christ forgives our sins. All of us are imperfect and need the grace and mercy of God.
Rejoice with those
who are happy and weep with those who are in distress - Romans 12:15: Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Very often, when we hear about something good in other people's lives, it is human nature to sometimes feel discontented within ourselves. Instead, let us rejoice and be satisfied with the blessings God has
given us and be happy for others when He blesses them. Also, let us comfort those who are going through difficulties, being a consolation
and lending a helping hand wherever necessary. We should take care not to judge
and gossip about one another’s troubles.
Live in peace with
others –
Romans 12:18: If it is possible, as much as depends on
you, live peaceably with all men.
Let us not quarrel with anyone, but try our best to live in
peace with people whom God has placed in our lives, those who are far and close
to us. It takes two people to quarrel. When we refrain from arguments, we can
soon put an end to conflicts with others.
Do not take revenge – Romans 12:19: Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for
it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I
will repay,” says the Lord.
When people slander or humiliate us, make false allegations
and hurt us by words and actions, take our rejections and pain to the Lord. If
we take matters in to our own hands, we might retaliate worsening the
situation. God is the best judge and will render justice to each man as he
deserves. He will vindicate us in His time and manner.
Overcome evil with
good - Romans
12:21: Do not be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Return any wrong done to us with good deeds, shedding the light of Christ in
to others helping them to overcome the evil nature inside them, and be an example to
motivate goodness in those around us.
Dear friends, not only during lent seasons, but every day of our life, I pray that we will be empowered to live, following the example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who came to earth, and became one among us to show us the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Philippians 2:5 – Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus.
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