Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12: 12-16
CONSIDER: I once heard 30 years ago that has stuck with me. It was about a State Police officer known for always being respectful and kind despite the response of the subject he was dealing with. When asked about this reputation, the officer shared his philosophy that fueled his consistent display of character. He treated every person he interacted with as an officer of the law with equal respect and dignity, even if they were disrespectful or belligerent to him, because of the code of ethics he committed to when becoming an officer. Part of this code states, “I will serve the public with due respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness without prejudice. I recognize that service to the public is beyond service to myself. As a police officer, I consider it a privilege and the most incredible honor that may be bestowed upon any person to defend the principles of liberty.” He summed this commitment up in one simple missional statement. I treat everyone with respect, not because of who they are but because of who I am. This summarization of living out of character echoes how we should live as believers. Our response to situations and people should overflow from our commitment and who we are as children of God. How we react, share, love, give, fight, and invest should reflect our commitment to Christ and not be driven by the circumstances we find ourselves in.
REFLECT:
Do your daily responses and choices reflect who you are as a Christ follower?
Where can you grow in living out your commitment to Christ?
PRAY:
Use these resources to help pray specifically each day.
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
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