By David ReayMonday 27 Jul 2015LifeWords DevotionalsFaithReading Time: 0 minutes
Transcript:
Read Romans 12:1-2
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (NLT)
We hear very often statements along the lines of “This is who I am, you have to take me as you find me”. Or, “I’ve got to be myself, be true to myself”. Such things are said by everyday people as well as petulant sportspersons or over-indulged celebrities.
While it all sounds noble and reflecting a sort of integrity, it is actually profoundly wrong. To excuse poor behaviour or egocentricity on the grounds of being true to oneself is to dress up what the Bible calls sin in the clothes of truthfulness or honesty. There is no nobility or integrity in treating other people badly because this is just how we are.
The Bible gives us another perspective. Paul speaks of being changed by God. We are not to be content with ‘being me’ if this involves selfishness or misconduct. Instead, we call on God to help us be the people he wants us and has made us to be. To be sure, we have regard for our own uniqueness and individuality. We realise we are accepted as we are and thus accept ourselves too.
But we dare not become complacent. I both accept the ‘me’ I am now and strive to become a better ‘me’.
Blessings
David Reay