Made for This MomentSample

Made for Others

Yesterday we considered why God made us individually for this specific moment in history. But today, we’ll discover why God made us to live interconnected to His people.

Although following Jesus is a personal decision, it’s anything but private. We’re called to follow Jesus together. We need one another. Scripture is full of reminders about loving one another, serving one another, carrying burdens for one another, rejoicing with one another, and grieving with one another.

Paul, one of the most influential leaders in the early church, helps us understand this concept. But first, some context. Paul wrote Romans as a letter to early Christians about why and how the gospel works. The gospel is the Good News that God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to restore our relationship with God.

The gospel is a world-changing reality, but the early Christian church in Rome had very little of it recorded in writing. As Jesus followers, the church in Rome must have felt called to change the world with little instruction for how to do it. Have you ever felt that way?

That feeling is similar what many people around the world experience who don’t yet have Scripture translated in their language. So, what did Paul do?

He very carefully wrote the first 11 chapters of Romans to lay out the theology forwhythe Gospel works and the last five chapters explain practicallyhowit looks in our everyday lives.

Early in chapter 12, Paul transitions between the theology and everyday practice with these words:

… offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 NIV

This is a masterful connection between the Jewish Scriptures and Jesus, but how exactly do we give our life while still living? Paul solidly answers this question with the rest of the chapter.

Today, as you read the passage in Romans, pay extra attention to three things.

First, notice how Paul describes the church as the body of Christ in verses 4-8. What part of the body are you? What do you have to offer? Why do you think God wants us to work together, and how can you partner with other Jesus followers to make a bigger difference?

Second, imagine what your life would be like if you didn’t have access to these powerful, life-giving words of Scripture. The early church would have had a lot of questions about what their faith even means, and this letter would have filled in so many gaps. And centuries later, we get to experience this same living and active truth! How might you share this good news with others?

Finally, as you read verses 9-21, think of one specific way you’re already living your life as worship to God. Then, invite the Holy Spirit to graciously show you a way your heart can move toward others.

So, how do we give our full selves back to God? By living out the unique ways God made us. Why? Because the world needs to experience the full body of Christ, and you are a part of it.

Practice: Write down one way God has gifted you. Then, make a plan to practice using this gift for the good of others this week.