Romans 12 reminds me of the basic rules of small engine maintenance. When the mower won’t start, it is time to check the Fuel, Air, and Spark. By testing each system, we can usually fix a sputtering engine. Today’s lesson is about cranking up a smooth-running spiritual life. Paul begins with the fuel that makes the Christian life run. “Therefore… in view of God’s mercy… offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”. When I ponder the forgiveness that God has shown to me, I am motivated to forgive others. His grace in us produces the power to overcome pride and be merciful. Paul knows the human methods of persuasion, and he warns, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. The purpose of a fuel filter is to keep the crud out. What we read and watch can obstruct the mercy we are to freely give. Fresh clean gas will often unclog the flow. Paul suggests refilling daily with a new batch of God’s Word, and then “you will be able to test and approve… His good, pleasing and perfect will”. Humility is like the air that is also needed to produce power. Good works without humility produces arrogance. A holier-than-thou attitude smothers God’s grace. Paul plainly states, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought”. Every time we act superior to someone else, we choke out our ability to minister. Paul says we are not to condemn others. Instead, “think of yourself with sober judgment”. Every one of us are sinners saved by grace.
Next Paul describes how individual components are necessary for the church of Christ to function properly. “Just as each of us has one body with many members… so in Christ we, though many, form one body”. The church needs each member to do what they are called to do because “We have different gifts”. Paul lists a number of spiritual gifts; “prophesying… teaching… encouraging… giving… leading… showing mercy”. These are not self-improvement tools. Each of these gifts are given in order to minister to others. All these moving parts can get hot unless they are anointed by the oil of God’s Holy Spirit.
Finally, Paul describes the love of Christ as the spark that ignites change. He yanks the church into action with instruction. “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves”. Paul acknowledges the existence of good and evil and warns against confusing the two. For some of us, that could more accurately read, avoid acting hatefully toward anyone. In order to truly honor others above ourselves, we must submit to Christ’s authority. Paul continues, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse”. This is an essential Christian distinctive. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven”. When we hold onto hate for anyone we will stall our restoration and zap our joy. Paul describes how to live out loving others. “Live in harmony with one another… Do not repay anyone evil for evil… live at peace with everyone”. Does that describe you? Paul continues, “Do not take revenge”. Revenge assumes God cannot redeem someone. On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head”. If you call me names, I will tune you out, but if you show me compassion, I am more likely to listen to you. With a final tug of encouragement, Paul gets us started. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”. My friend, is it time for a spiritual tune up? Mercy, Humility and Love are the three things to check first. Please check your owner’s manual for additional guidance.