Reflections based on Romans 12:1–21.

This chapter really hones in on how we should live in response to the gospel. Paul starts with a ‘therefore’ and also uses the phrase ‘in view of God’s mercy’. These are the triggers — the response is down to us. While it is true, as we have seen, that we are made holy only through Jesus, and God clothes us in His righteousness, we are in the process of being sanctified. And, while that is done through the power of the Holy Spirit, we do need to make choices and take action.

So many of Paul’s instructions here are active: ‘offer’, ‘Do not conform’, ‘be transformed’, ‘Do not think of yourself’, ‘Hate what is evil, cling to what is good’ etc. James states that faith without works is dead (James 2:14–26) and I think, similarly, Paul is saying here that the process of becoming holy does include us being responsible on a daily basis for choosing to lay down our own agendas and offer ourselves up to God. 

I think that often we can shy away from thinking about our own part in our path to holiness. And yet, as Kevin de Young puts it, ‘The Bible clearly teaches that holiness is possible. This is good news, not bad news … You are allowed (and expected) to be obedient. You cannot do anything to earn God’s love. But as a redeemed, regenerate child of God you don’t have to be a spiritual failure.’ (The Hole in our Holiness, Crossway, 2007)

There is also imagery in this passage about each one of us being part of a body and that we need to think of the whole and use our gifts to benefit it. As Christians, we need each other. But Paul goes further: our holiness is to impact every area of our lives, including the way we interact with people generally.

Prayer: Lord I am humbled as I ponder how the choices I make daily affect my path to holiness. Help me to choose to remember who You are today –and who you have made me to be.