Climbing The Social Ladder

Romans 12:13-21

Look on the needs of the saints as your own; be generous in offering hospitality. Bless your persecutors; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same attitude toward all. Put away ambitious thoughts and associate with those who are lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never repay injury with injury. See that your conduct is honorable in the eyes of all.

If possible, live peaceably with everyone. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves; leave that to God’s wrath, for it is written: ” ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” But “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; by doing this you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.

Thoughts:  Over the years I have observed and realized that it is in our nature to associate with those at or above our 'social' status. I fully know that I was one of those people. Not even consciously, though, it just kind of happens. But God has been tugging at me for years. Over and over again in scripture, Jesus reaches out the the lowly, the sick, and the poor. He says that those who are not sick have no need for a physician. So, I feel the gentle tug of Jesus to reach out to those who are lowly, hurting, or lost. I have no more important role in my life than to pray for and reach out to anyone who is hurting or in distress. In my humanness, I sometimes fail in my call to action. The Holy Spirit prompts me to action but I don't out of fear. Fear of rejection or ridicule. But my joy greatly increases when I do answer the still, soft voice calling me to action in service of others. The more often I answer the call the more I am strengthened to answer it again. Our willingness to answer the call will help increase our faith and to perhaps hear the call more often.

I have been reminded, though, that I am called only to live in the love of Christ. That I should not worry too much about 'doing'. Live in the love of Jesus and the doing will take care of itself.