For
my personal Bible study, it’s not likely you’ll see me whipping out the King
James Version. However, Romans 12:1, in this version, came to light in a
mailing from the Christian Law Association, which defends Christian liberty.
I
find the term reasonable service interesting to ponder as I consider where and
how to serve inside and outside of the church. Some translations of Romans 12:1
describe this service or worship as intelligent, logical, or appropriate,
others spiritual. All of those make sense, too.
Still,
reasonable service is proving itself sticky, for me.
What’s reasonable to give back to the God who gives me life again and again every day? What's reasonable service to the One who gave me my husband, children, family, friends, health, and a peace that passes all understanding?
He’s
the God who made everything and called it good. But after that, he didn’t just
step back to watch. He’s involved. Even when we (or, ahem, I) mess everything
up, start to finish. He’s wants me, and you, us. What’s reasonable to give back
to a God like that?
The
CLA newsletter shared a story about a Russian family (pre-liberation) whose
daughters were tortured because their dad wouldn't give up pastoring, and he
wouldn't deny Christ.
The
three oldest daughters were singled out, but said later what happened to them
was, in fact, their reasonable service. Seriously?
You
can read the article here:
What
a strong, worshipful perspective for those daughters, now young women, to have.
I've
heard commentary jokes in the Christian community about our fickle nature as
followers of Christ. The joke (with a message) that comes to mind for me related
to this story from Russia is, the trouble with living sacrifices is that they crawl off the altar.
These
three, even as young girls, stayed on the altar. And, in terms of the condition
of their hearts, they don’t look back with regret.
Probably,
I won’t endure the conditions of persecution these daughters did. But I hope
when I feel pressed or struck down with opposition, the Holy Spirit gently lights my heart and mind for His glory with this story, Romans 12:1, and the phrase reasonable service in particular.
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©2012 Helene Bergren All rights reserved
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