DaySpring Daily Word of Inspiration: Romans 12:16 – Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Some may take this passage in many different ways, however when Paul wrote this he was speaking to the church. Although this message does extend passed the realm of the church walls, it is for the mindset of the believers. It is to get us in the mode of loving one another as Jesus commanded. Not to look down on others who don’t have a position in the church and think that you’re the only person who can do God’s work from that position. Be willing to fellowship with all of God’s people because we all have a gift that God wants us to use for his purposes. Outside of the church it goes without saying. As a Christian, you want to be sure that you’re not making God look unattractive by the way you treat others because “they don’t believe as you” or in the same way the Jews used to treat the Gentiles, “we have a savior, you have nothing therefore you are nothing to us”. This is the wrong mindset! This was one of the bigger shake ups that Jesus focused on when he walked the earth. He wanted to put an end to all of the lines of separation between Jew and Gentile and let man know that his love was for all that God created!
We should be living with the same mindset and lack of arrogance. We are all sinners and all need the love of Christ to shine in our lives. When Jesus came, people mocked him for associating himself with those who were detested, of low stature or seen as afflicted. As a matter of fact, most of the writers of the bible were people with physical, mental, character, or personality afflictions. However God was able to use them in a powerful way – to do His will! Don’t try to impose your thoughts on how you think you should treat someone when you have no idea what plans God has for them! Don’t stunt, hinder, or push people away from God’s plan for their life by not doing your Christian duty to draw them in! Be loving, encouraging and a living example of Christ!
Our prayer today is that you release any and all internal conceited attitudes or feelings of pride. Get to the place where you relish being outside of the “in-crowd” but greatly desire to be connected equally to God’s crowd – the whole crowd. There is power in your sacrifice and it gets God’s attention. Make a great impression on Him today. Be blessed and have an amazing day! In Jesus name, AMEN!