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 Romans 12:3-5 - Kinship in Christ

God wants to benefit us.  He does not want to harm us.  He never tempts us.  His will is good and pleasing and perfect. But how do we know His will for us?  I was reminded this morning at men's breakfast at the church of the importance of individual Bible study.  In hockey we used to remind each other, "you are never too good for the basics."  That's true.  The pros practice the basics every single day.  The same should be true of believers in Jesus Christ.  Walk through one book of the Bible at a time.  Grab a coffee.  Expect God to speak to you.  He will, every time you read.  Read the section of Scripture at least three times.  Even better if you can memorize it.  Think about what God is saying about His character, your character, and those you lead, serve, and work with.

In Romans 12:3-5 the Bible gives us a clear warning.  It is a warning about pride and arrogance and overvaluing ourselves with measures that simply are not from God.  God does not measure a man by how rich or powerful he is, his title, or worldly status.  Reject all these measures of yourself.  Be honest.  And be diligent in evaluating.  Some people think they need no evaluation because they’ve arrived.  Organizations operate that way as well.  They win a game or two or have a decent profit margin, so they think they have God’s favor.  Sad, pathetic - pure prosperity gospel nonsense.

        Our standard is our God-given faith in Jesus Christ.  My body, soul, and mind are God’s.  I belong to Him and value what Christ did for me on the cross.  The Creator Saviour paid the penalty for my terrible sins.  I’m a sinner saved only by a loving rescuer named Jesus Christ.  And so are you.  That is our bond, our kinship in Christ.  We are now of the same Clan if you will.

I have a special function in the body of Christ.  So do you.  Your unique role is deeply valued by God, and so I, too, recognize you and value you.  We must value every part of the body.  We all belong to each other.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your Church and your family.  Thank you for your grace and patience as I slowly understand your love and Way.  Please increase my faith in you and grow into your man today: strong, wise, capable, loving, kind, quick to sacrifice, and slow to anger.  May my friends be those you speak of in Titus 1:5-6.  May we be patient with those of little faith and help us to be good teachers and encouragers today.  Amen.

Gramps and Grams - with our Virginians.

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