Today’s Reading | Romans 12:9-21
Our “Associations”
If we looked at the people you spend your time with, what would we discover? What does their spiritual condition tell us about yours? What does their popularity tell us about you? What does how popular the people I hang around with have to do with who I am? According to today’s reading, the answer to all those questions is: a lot! Paul gives us instructions about dealing with people. He talks about those who persecute you and those who are your enemies. Then, in verse sixteen he makes an important statement. He says, “be willing to associate with people of low position.” Paul realized that pride will keep you from doing just that. If you only hang around with the popular or beautiful people, then you are proud. Paul tells us to stop being proud and be willing to spend time with people of low position. He wants you to invite them to a party you are planning to attend. Ask them to sit with you at church. Sit by them in the chow hall. The question still remains, what do the people you always spend your time with tell you about yourself? When is the last time you associated with or felt compassion for people of low position?
Today’s Questions
Say What?
How can you better “associate” with people of low position?
So What?
Why is it that you do not do this more often?
Now What?
What needs to change in your life for you to fulfill God’s expectations in this area?
Then What?
In light of this passage, what personal commitment can you make?