Chapter 12 of the book of Romans begins by addressing our motive in serving the Lord, and then goes on to deal with the spirituality of our service, while encouraging us to dedicate ourselves to serving together in unity and in harmony. Paul presents this in nine points:
1. “God’s mercies” should motivate us. These mercies are fully covered in chapters 9 to 11 of Romans, especially verses 11:30-32. They are shown in His care for the people of Israel.
2. Our bodies are to be presented as “living sacrifices”, holy, and acceptable to God. This is our reasonable, rational, logical service. The words “present”, “sacrifices”, “holy”, “acceptable” and “service” are priestly terms. Christians are a holy priesthood, offering up spiritual sacrifices—in this case, our living bodies–in His service (1 Peter 2:5).
3. We are not to be conformed to the world—moulded into its shape—but transformed by the renewing of our minds. “And do not follow the customs of the present age, but be transformed by the entire renewal of your minds, so that you may learn by experience what God’s will is—that which is good and beautiful and perfect.” (Weymouth New Testament) “Good, acceptable and perfect” are not three steps that lead to perfection but three descriptions of the one perfect will of God.
4. Self-praise is no recommendation. Put a realistic value on your role in the church. Seriously assess your value, measuring it by your God-given “measure of faith” – visible in the working gift that God has given you.
5. Collectively, we form one body, but individually, each one of us is linked to others as that body’s many and varied parts. These many members together form a complete, functioning body.
6. The body’s parts are linked: prophecy with the measure of faith; giving with generosity; managing with diligence; mercy with cheerfulness. In each case, the linked qualities are the spirit of the gifts (i.e. generosity is the spirit of giving).
7. Conflict prevents the parts from working together in harmony. For example, love and insincerity are incompatible; good and evil are irreconcilable opposites
8. Some things are relational: showing affection toward brethren; honouring others before oneself.
9. Proactive approaches, rather than reactive attitudes and actions, complete the list (verses 13—21).
We should realistically evaluate the part we play in the Body of Christ, and so see ourselves as united in the Faith. We are not just connected but related. Good relationships help the body of Christ work functionally; bad relationships cause it to become dysfunctional.
The body is a physiological wonder, not just an anatomical specimen, and its workings should be observed, rather than examined. So don’t just investigate the Body of Christ doctrinally, but examine it with the view of finding your place in it, connecting up to its related members, and functioning as a highly valuable and very necessary working part!