The righteous will live by faith. (Rom. 1:17)
IN THE OPENING SENTENCES of his letter to the Romans, Paul gave us a wonderful example of how to live out our calling. We must realize that we are commissioned through God’s grace, not because of our own efforts, expertise, or wisdom. Through obedience spawned from thankfulness, we are equipped to spread the good news of Christ to a world that desperately needs to hear it. Our faith frees us to be called to serve God, whether that means being an example for our children, reaching out to the poor and needy, or preaching to the unchurched.
However, we also need connection to believers. Faith boosting is a two-way street. Through the Holy Spirit, who binds us to each other into the body of Christ, we have a lifeline that keeps us from straying back into the sin we encounter in others who have not yet embraced Christ as Savior.
We are called to be free from sin, but also to call others to that freedom. However, our freedom must be used wisely in this fallen world. Being free in Christ doesn’t give us permission to do what we want, no matter the consequences. We are both guided and protected by following the will of our Lord. We must remain tethered to God’s will as long as we live in a world that is not.
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Julie B. Cosgrove is a widowed Christian author and speaker who lives in Fort Worth, Texas. She is involved with women’s and outreach ministries.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
