Bible Verse Friday #34

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other."~ Romans 12:4-5

Each on of us is different and it is because of those differences that we should be able to bond closer together to accomplish God's will.
We need leaders and followers.
We need teachers and students.
We need men and women.
You get my drift.

Let's read a little bit of the surrounding passage from this verse:

"Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are.  Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.  Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.  In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.  So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.  If your gift is serving others, serve them well.  If you are a teacher, teach well.  If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.  If it is giving, give generously.  If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.  And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." Romans 12:1-8

I think I could continue on because I love this passage so much.
Paul is outlining how being a Christian changes us.
It changes the way we think and the way we act.
Becoming a Christian doesn't mean we become perfect.
I know that you've heard the argument from non-believers "Christians are a bunch of hypocrites"
"they ACT all perfect, but they are just like the rest of us".
It is so difficult to express my frustration over this common misconception.
I try very hard to explain that becoming a Christian doesn't mean we are instantaneously changed or miraculously reformed, rather it means we are committing our lives to living for Christ.
We are saying that we want to be Christ-like and that we want to do God's will.
We will still fall short of perfection.
Frequently and often, as we are not meant to be perfect.
I believe that the only way we can truly debunk this misconception is to do as Romans 12 asks us.

"Don't just pretend to love others.  Really love them.  Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other."~Romans 12:9-10

"Bless those who persecute you.  Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them."~Romans 12:14

I ask each of you to read Romans 12 in it's entirety this weekend.
All 21 verses and ask yourself a few questions.
Where do I excel and where do I fall short.
Then ask God to help you overcome the areas of your life that need work.
I ask each of you, that if you encounter a friend, co-worker, spouse, child, etc whom you know holds a wonderful God given gift that you will acknowledge them and tell them that 'God has blessed them with fill in the blank.'


Most importantly remember that "we are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other."
So let's help build each other up!

I hope you had a Blessed Friday!

This week's verse to memorize:

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other."~ Romans 12:4-5

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