Romans 12:8-21 - Christian Leadership

Some themes of Romans, like that of the entire New Testament, are righteousness, self-control, and judgment day.  We see that in technicolor in Romans 12 and 13.  God’s warning and declaration in each of these themes is Christian leadership responsibility.  God sees your every move and your every thought.  He knows my motives behind every action.  He does not just permit me to take responsibility, He sets a required code of conduct for the Christian.

        God can do whatever He pleases.  And He does.  He is perfect and good.  He offers a relationship with each person but does not force you to live His way.  On judgment day, a price will be paid for our choices and what we did with Almighty God’s standards.

        That’s what we read here in this passage, there are consequences for our beliefs and actions.  Romans tells us that as God’s children, those that belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see (13:13).

        It does not come as a shock to me that God’s word says not all Christians are kind or generous (v. 8).  And that some Christians only pretend to love others (v. 9).  There are many rude, greedy, selfish people in the church.  Christians can go years without hosting others in their homes or actively serving and showing kindness.

        One reason for this unthinkable conduct is this false concept of Christian fatalism, a lie of the devil that we hear repeatedly in the modern Church.  It goes like this, “oh, that’s just God’s will,” or, “well we don’t have to worry about that sin or that conduct or us cheating on that regulation, Sovereign God determines all things, so just sit back and watch.”  It is a wicked nonbiblical lie.  As men and women of God it absolutely matters what we do and how we serve others in love.

        God never does wrong.  He never tempts people to do evil.  He hates what is wrong.  We are commanded to do the same.

        And God expects us to take the responsibility to act in this life He’s given us very seriously.  Never confuse God’s knowing with God’s doing.  God’s way, the reality of this life, is that every man and woman has free will.  We have a responsibility to love others, do good, show genuine affection to our brothers and sisters, work really hard, be enthusiastic about the work God has for us, rejoice in our confident hope of eternal life, be patient in trouble, to continuously pray, to help those in need, and to always practice hospitality.  

        Lord Jesus, your people are to be people of action.  We can't claim ignorance, as your commands in Scripture could not be clearer.  Help me lead and teach others, to show your way with the faith you give me.  Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we ask for Your grant of common sense and wisdom today.  Amen.