A true Christian life must have an intentional and purposeful perspective of working for the Lord.

Paul gave the Christians at Rome an exhortation: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 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"(Rom. 12:1, 2). He begins this passage with the word parakalo, which could be translated as urge, plead, or even beg. I plead with you to renew your mind, so that you will not be conformed to the world!
But, how do you do that?
Jeremiah said of Judah that was being exiled by Babylon, “Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD” (Lam. 3:40).
With regard to the partaking Lord’s Supper, Paul said, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body”(1 Cor. 11:28-30). Someone, who does not examine their life accordingly, neither shows appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus’ life nor has a realization of the duty inherent in being part of His body.
In his second writing to Corinth, Paul exhorts, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified”(2 Cor. 13:5). Having you been examining your life? If not, how do you know whether you are in the faith? The word test can also be translated prove. Does an examination of your life offer proof that you’re in Christ?
It’s easy to say that God does a lot great things through the church. But, unless you are an active participant in those ‘great things,’ such words are hollow. Paul encouraged the Christians in Galatia, “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another”(Gal. 6:4).
I exhort you with these words, because spiritual growth does not happen passively. Spiritual growth happens because of self-examination and a decision to “bear fruits worthy of repentance”(Matt. 3:8). A true Christian life must have an intentional and purposeful perspective of working for the Lord.
Now, I give you two decisions to make. These are not to be taken lightly, but with seriousness and full commitment. Consider this to be one small step in your spiritual growth.
First, consider every 24 hour day. What is one spiritually oriented thing that can be added to your day? It may be something like having a designated time of prayer, if you don’t already have one. Maybe it could be a time of study or a devotional period with your family. But I don’t want you to try and squeeze this in. I want this to be an intentional trade off – giving up something and replacing it with this.
This is a commitment. I will do this every day:_
Second, consider every month. What is one spiritual event that can be added to your month? I encourage you to get out your personal calendar and compare it to the church calendar. You are welcome to come up with something new. What can you trade from the secular events of your life for this? Make the change with a pen, not a pencil.
This is a commitment. I will do this every month:_
Put this somewhere where you will be reminded of it daily. This is your intentional decision to grow. You are accountable for you before God. What is your “reasonable service?”
-Cary Gillis D.Min.
May 20, 2020

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