Authoritative Advice

Romans is, as we learned, jam-packed with important advice to follow in our relationship with Christ and others, so it's a bit hard to explain one major concept without referencing and/or bringing up others. That aside, here goes nothing. I'd say that the part of Romans 12-14 that has most inspired me is the very beginning of chapter 12: being living sacrifices to God. To explain it briefly, Paul is saying that in order to become like Christ, we've got to give up on our personal wants - to cut out distractions in our lives and focus on Jesus. This is, put any way, a tough topic, I think, for anyone to accept, but yet it's essential to being in Christ. If the action of dying to ourselves is not present in our lives, it can be argued whether we truly accepted Christ in the first place or not. That's why I think becoming livings sacrifices is such important advice to follow; it's a must-happen of our faith. We should understand as Christians that if we're really committed to following God, we are going to be compelled to shove our previous passions away to maintain relationship with Jesus. There's no room for two focuses. It's just that important.

The reason that this sacrifice is being offered as advice and not as explanation of doctrine is a striking truth: while most Christians would be able to reference it, none could say they've followed it completely. It's hard to do, and some would say it's an unattainable goal. I say, to cheer things up, that it is just the goal. Becoming like Christ is a transformative cycle, and we've just got to be willing to let Jesus take over. No-one is perfect, but we have a choice to strive toward Christ's perfection, or continue to wade in our hopelessness. I'd prefer to lay myself down to Christ, because my simple faith is made powerful through Christ's resurrection, and I will achieve perfection in Jesus when He returns. That's important advice!