Theme: IT PAYS TO SERVE GOD FAITHFULLY TILL THE END
Text: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:1, 2.
Comment: The Christian life is one of unlearning one’s sinful ways living for the new life in Christ, in order to live according to the dictates of the word of God. We should therefore abstain from any form of worldliness which can lure us into sin and even into death. St. Paul wrote: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? …Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” (Romans 6:1,2,4,6) Among the ungodly practices which are common today are beauty contests or pageants, where girls appear on stage in dresses or attires that loudly proclaim their physical features, to be watched by both men and women, young and old – just for material gains. This is unchristian. There are also various fashion trends that Christians should not have any part in. These include dresses that expose one’s physical features, plaiting of hair and wearing of ear rings by men and so on. There are also certain behaviours that are accepted as normal within a society or culture but which are ungodly in the light of the Scriptures. We should not conform to their ways just to please men. For the Christian the vow to do the will of God always is not negotiable. – 1 John 2:15-17.