All are sinners. Sin’s reward is eternal death (Romans 3:23; 6:23). God has provided for our salvation in His tender mercy. On the basis of that mercy, Paul begged his fellow Christians to give over every part of their being in service to God (Romans 12:1). The Christian’s body belongs to God, so it should be kept holy or pure, free from sin, for God’s work. Each should keep his or her body acceptable to God by doing His will (1 John 5:3). This is only reasonable since God purchased the body of the Christian with His Son’s blood (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
Paul did not want the brethren at Rome to imitate or conform to the world and its practices. He instructed them to daily reshape their minds so that they might judge the worthiness of God’s way (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 4:16; 5:17; 1 Peter 1:14-15). Before they became Christians, they practiced the fulfilling of their passions and lusts. Now that they were members of Christ’s body, the apostle asked them to test the goodness of God’s high standards.
Paul commanded the Roman Christians to not be proud, but to “think soberly” or develop a right-thinking estimate of themselves (Romans 12:3). The Lord said, “Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Any gifts and abilities we possess were not self-made but God-given. The Father measured out the portion each should have. None has the right to say he or she is better because of his or her own worth or work. Our very existence depends on God (Acts 17:25).
The church is like the human body. Many members make up one body. Each has its own function. None can boast of superiority because each function is necessary for the body (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
Each of us must do the Father’s will rather than letting worldly thinking shape us. Every Christian should recognize the value of every brother and sister in Christ. Commend them. Pray for them. By these means, we will maintain a good relationship to God and His family.
