In chapter twelve, the author comes, at
last, to what he wants from the reader. Twelve is a list of specific
traits that are to be found in the believer. As a whole, they are a
standard by which all men may be judged in regard to their faith. If
they say they believe in and serve God but their works are not the
works in this list, they have lied to the world but, more tragically,
they have lied to themselves.
Romans 12 is a list that describes the
personal traits of the believing Christian. It includes not only the
spirit of the believer but the body of the believer, as well. The
body is listed first. It is stated that the reasonable service to God
of any faithful soul is to present their body as a living sacrifice.
This simply means to live in a particular way. It is a way that is
special, set apart, set above. It is a way that is not common, not
profane. It is the way of dedication – a gift to God. As such, the
body no longer belongs to the believer but to God. One need not make
a vow of abstinence, per se, neither a vow of silence. One need only
exercise moderation in the spirit of dedication.
Speaking of the spirit, the orientation
of the spirit directly and precisely affects the flesh. The mind can
form either a fist or an open hand. With that in mind, let us take a
look at the author's list of traits. The very first thing the author
says about the spirit is found in verse two. It is immediately
important to recognize that the author names the spirit – he calls
it the mind. He also offers the formula by which any individual may
test and prove what is good and right. There are many issues in this
life which threaten to overwhelm the spirit. This world is a
formidable adversary. It seeks to incorporate your mind. It will beat
you with thoughts and feelings that have already been around the
block. They are old thoughts, common thoughts. They are familiar and
easy. Friends and family who have been incorporated by the world will
assail you with these thoughts and feelings as if they are your only
options. They are not.
The first spiritual trait of the
believer is the renewing of the mind. Not only is it the first but it
is the most essential. You might call it the foundation for other
spiritual traits. Indeed, one might call the renewing of one's mind
the cornerstone of one's spiritual temple. New thoughts, new
feelings, must be set above the old and common by which the world
magnifies itself. New thoughts and new feelings, in the spirit of
dedication, lead to new actions. What you think, you will do. As you
believe, so shall it be.
This is what the Bible tells the
believer:
Death and life are in the power of the
tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs
18:21
Whoever desires to love life and
see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from
speaking deceit; 1 Peter 3:10
Whatever things are true, whatever
things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if
there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate
on these things. Phil 4:8
And whatever you ask in prayer, you
will receive, if you have faith. Matt 21:22
All individuals should think soberly
and not imagine themselves to be higher up the ladder than someone
else. They should not view themselves in any way other than by the
measure of faith God has granted to them. This is a spiritual trait
by which one may prove to oneself their connection to God. We should
view ourselves as parts of the whole, like organs in a body, each
with its own function, yet, dependant upon the other organs and with
the certain knowledge that they depend as much upon us. Our work, our
health, our growth depend on this spiritual certainty.
Some of us will prophesy, some of us
will minister, some of us will teach, some of us will exhort, some of
us will have substance to give, some of us will rule, and doubtless,
some of us will sweep floors and wash dishes. Whatever we have to
give, let us give it with simplicity and diligence, showing mercy
from a glad and cheerful spirit. Those who believe, work together
with all other believers. Between believers, there should be no
concealment of our thoughts and feelings. There should be no
pretense, deceit, misrepresentation; neither hypocrisy nor
double-dealing. We are one and should work as one. The grace of God
has given each of us a unique gift, our own place, and function. A new
mind will fully accept this truth.
Our love, our thoughts, our actions are
a whole. We must, each of us and all of us, think the thoughts of the
whole. We must hate evil and seek the good as a whole. We must
love the body and the members of the body. Our preference for all
that is good and right will bear the fruit of kind affection,
brotherly love, and honor for all fellow believers. That is the
spiritual trait of the new mind.
Actions will naturally follow from the
new mind of the faithful believer. Traits may be seen not only in the
spirit of the believer but in the believer's works, as well. A
believer will not be slothful in business, for example, and this is
because the believer is fervent in spirit, that is, mentally
impassioned as he or she serves the will of God. Rejoicing in hope,
patient during troubles, consistent in prayer – these are spiritual
traits in all believers that will be seen in the works of the
believer. The new mind will display the following action-traits in
any true believer.
The believer will distribute to the
necessities of the saints (other true believers.)
The believer will be predisposed to
hospitality.
The believer will bless those who
persecute them, after the manner of Jesus on the cross, who did not
curse his persecutors.
The believer will rejoice with those
who rejoice and weep with those who weep.
The believer will be of a like mindset
and in agreement with other believers who show the traits of true
believers – both in spirit and in works.
The believer will not mind high things,
as the Pharisees did, but more like Jesus, they will condescend to
men of low estate.
The believer will not be wise in his
own conceits, that is, vain or self-centered. Rather, the believer
will strive to be in concert with God and the unity of believers. In
all their works, they will be seen to submit to the will of God while
in their spirit, they will trust God whole-heartedly.
The believer will not repay evil with
more evil.
The believer will provide things
honestly in the sight of all men.
The believer will try to live peaceably
with all men.
True believers will not avenge
themselves. Rather, they will let God lead in his own affairs.
The believer will show compassion even
for an enemy.
The believer, finally, will not be
defeated by evil but will defeat evil by enacting goodness from a new
mind.
