I have been consumed with a phrase from Scripture. It's found in Romans' first chapter. Interesting is Paul often opens his epistles with a reference to being an apostle by the will of God. We are called to be God's disciples by the will of God. We are chosen by Him to be His children. I am called by God. A fascinating thought indeed!
I have been reading in Romans lately. This book is so amazing!
Take a look at the first 6 verses:
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,"
Although there are several really interesting facets of these verses, the two words that grab me, from verse one, are: set apart.
This verse reminds me that I am not a Christian so I can live for myself. I want to show the world that my God is alive and that he wants people to come to know Him. I want people to know that He is Creator, Sustainer, Lord of all. A God of compassion, of mercy, of loving kindness, of justice, of holiness, of truth who loves us before we love him (I John 4).
How can I live like I know him? Titus 2 has something to say about that:
(11-14)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
And, Ephesians 2:10
10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
The recurring theme is "good works." Now good works do not save us, nor do they cause God to love us more. Nothing can make God love his children more than he alerady does. However, we show the world that we belong to God when we obey God and live righteously.
How do people see me? How do people see my God? My life is not about me because I "have been bought with a price." God is holy. I must be too. (I Peter 1:16).
