Job descriptions are a nice and simple way of making it clear what a person is supposed to do in their work. But almost anyone in almost any career field will know that not every job has a single skill required. Most jobs require that the person wear many hats.
Teachers, at times, need to also be counselors and referees and doctors. Consultants need to be typists, artists, poets and politicians. Pastors need to be scholars, speakers, and psychologists. And so on.
Today’s passage seems to be a laundry list of the qualities of a Christian. What is said of love? How should we act toward each other? What three qualities are emphasized in verse 12? What are the last commands presented in verse 13?
The job description of a Christian is a multi-layered, multi-faceted thing. To be a Christian we can’t be good in just a few things, but we must be good at many things.
Paul is talking to the people of the church in Rome about offering themselves in sacrifice for the kingdom of God. In this portion of his letter Paul addresses the need to exhibit almost every aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. We are called on to love and exhibit goodness. In spite of the challenges we face – fear and affliction – we should express joy, patience and faithfulness.
But we are also to be giving of ourselves. We should be helping others in their own lives and spiritual walk (verse 10), and we should have strong spiritual desires to serve God (verse 11). And we are called to share. We are called to share of our possessions and blessings, but we are also called to share of ourselves.
A true Christian can not live out the job description and job requirements of being a Christian without being active in the faith. You may be able to feel love and joy and peace, or you may be able to know what is kind and what is good, but until you share all of this with others you are not performing the whole job.
Paul concludes this section with two action words – share and practice. These are not noble concepts we need to embrace. These are Christian attitudes, attitudes of holy love, which require effort. Share with those in need. Practice hospitality.
DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you share with those in need? How can you practice hospitality?
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