As I started the day, I had a general idea of my “game plan” for this week’s devotion… but, as any coach will tell you, you have to be ready to make some “in-game adjustments.” Basically, I was going through some planning time and was interrupted by my daughter… she had been studying heavy for a project that our pastor had given her involving Romans chapter 12, and I began digging into the . This chapter is most known for its first two verses… but has a lot of incredible truths to be found… So, I will start with where my crazy (maybe twisted) sports mind took me…
“I’m going to take my talents to South Beach…” These words have gone down in history as part of LeBron James’s “Decision” to join the Miami Heat; a statement that has added fuel to the fire of LeBron haters who talk of his arrogance, but one ironically that was surrounded by statements he made that somewhat acknowledged he couldn’t do it on his own. He talked of the opportunities he had to win championships in Miami and the talents of the teammates he would have; and even commented on the “unselfishness” of Dwayne Wade to accept him in… And he praised the Miami Heat organization for taking the necessary steps to put a team of great players together.
So, how does this relate to Romans 12?
Verses 1 and 2 are verses that scream of Paul’s gratitude to God for His incredible gift of grace. It refers back to the groundwork that was laid in the first 11 chapters of the book, where it is explained what great lengths God went to in putting together “the team.” Showing that none of us were “righteous (good), no not one” (3:10)… that we “all fall short” (3:23)… and we are all “without strength” (5:6)… “BUT GOD” (5:8) sent a Substitute into the “game” to “play” on our behalf, making it possible for us to be “on the team” when the greatness of Christ is “imputed to us who believe in Him” (4:24)… And out of gratitude for what God has done for us so we could “make it on the team,” Paul says that based upon how God has so graciously served us in providing salvation, it is only “reasonable” (12:1) that we serve God!
The rest of the chapter goes on to explain the importance of that service in that God has also equipped us to play our unique part and make a difference on and for the team! It doesn’t allow for personal arrogance, as we are simply “members of one body (team)” and each has a different role to play…
So, reflect on God’s goodness in providing a way for you
to be “on the team” --- and it is only reasonable that you then “take your
talents to the body of Christ” to serve God and serve others!
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