Godliness

A common question for a new Christian to ask is, 'What does God require of me?' That was Saul of Tarsus 'concern, and it should e ours. 'What shall I render to the LORD for all his gifts to me?' Deuteronomy gives a fourfold answer. It is: to have a due regard for the LORD; to make his ways our ways; to love him - more than any conduct or esteem; and to serve him wholeheartedly. That is only reasonable since he is our maker and redeemer. The corresponding passage in Romans 12 tells us the spirit in which we are to do that - 'fervently'. This is more than intellectual belief (the Church in Ephesus had that but perished). It prompts to acts of love. When a person's heart is in what they do it contrasts with the spirit of the age which values style and image more than substance. And that reflects the truth and love of God. It is the authenticity people want to see. But how can we be motivated and strengthened to become like that? The people of Israel had just experienced rescue from Egypt, and Paul based his appeal on his readers' experience of God's mercy. Holiness on its own makes us ashamed and afraid, but mercy with it draws us to God in gratitude and confidence. His mercies include the gift of the Spirit of Christ; thus the believer may say, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'