Roadsigns

Marks of the True Christian
Romans 12:9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, [7] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation,be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, n “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Ususally geography and directions are one of my stronger areas. I have rarely been lost, geographically speaking. About seven years ago, my wife, Cal and I were on a trip to go see her dad,Wink, in Northern Lousiana. From Birmingham it is pretty much a strait shot on I-20 West through Mississippi. Well, we were having a great time talking about things and enjoying a rare nap of Cal's, when something started feeling out of sorts. Something did not feel right. We passed a sign that said: Hattiesburg 27 miles. Uh-Oh! We were on I-59, not I -20 and we were headed in the wrong direction. What went wrong? In Meridian, there is a fork in the Interstate. I-20/59 splits into I-20 and I-59. I was off course, because I did not read the signs that should have been my guide.

When you look at what Paul is saying in Romans 12 above, he is giving us clear markers of a life walk with Christ. The markers of a true Christian if you will. Just as the road signs on a highway guide you, they identify where you are as well. The I-59 sign proved I was off course, because it is just a marker that stands beside I-59. So when we examine these markers, we should ask ourselves: Are these markers of my life? If not, am I on another road than the one with Christ or are there some sin issues that I need to deal with?

The markers are:

>Let your Love be God's genuine Love
>Hate evil
>Cling to God, for he alone is good
>Love others deeply and loudly
>constantly humble yourselves, be content in lowness
>Do not lazily approach your walk with God
>Serve God and others with unbridled passion
>Rejoice that you have hope in Christ
>Be patient
>Constantly pray
>Use money to help meet others needs JOYFULLY!
>Be hospitable and welcoming
>Bless and Love your enemies
>Meet people in their are of need in Christ, whether sad or joyous
>Be at peace, do not promote strife
>Associate with all people regardless of socio-economic status
>Do not overesteem your wisdom
>Leave vengeance for God alone, it is not our role, He is the judge
>Understand that as Christians, our actiosn should represent Christ as we rep his name
>Overcome evil with good

Wow! How does that strike you? Are you on the right road? Or a different one?

Hopefully there are some of these markers in your life. If not, please email me or call me at 205.837.2573 as soon as possible. Chances are there are some areas that these markers will identify as sin issues in all of our lives. Will we crucify those areas or stray off the road that leads through the narrow gate of Christ?

As we think about today, Good Friday, and towards Resurrection Sunday, we should all shout an Amen to the one marker that changed all of eternity for mankind: THE CROSS OF CHRIST!