As a psychology teacher I am often filled with wonder at the psychological wisdom of Paul. Paul begins most of his letters with theological issues and finishes them with practical advice on how to live a successful life here on earth. He was not so heavenly minded that he forgot the importance of good human relationships. Romans 12 is particularly good.
- “Offer yourself as a living sacrifice holy and pleasing to God.” In other words eat right, exercise, get enough sleep and fresh air, etc.
- “Don’t conform to the world without thinking about it.”
- “Don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought.”
- “Love sincerely, don’t fake it.”
- “Hate what is evil.”
- “Honor others above yourself.”
- “Don’t lack in zeal.” (Don’t get tired of doing good.)
- “Be persistent in prayer.”
- “Bless those who persecute you.”
- “Don’t curse.”
- “Associate with people of low position.”
- “Don’t repay anyone evil for evil.” (Shock them with kindness.)
That’s only a dozen. I could add another dozen just from that chapter. All of the above are a recipe for a good life. I am going to estimate that 80% of our problems would go away if we lived by the above counsel. Paul must have received these from the Lord because he was not a wonder of human relations. He got himself stoned, thrown into prison, secreted out of a city at night, laughed at in Athens and finally was executed. He fought with Peter and John Mark. Paul really was a do as I say and not as I do kind of person because he said in verse 16, “Live in harmony with everyone.”
I just love these guys. They were real. They were not plastic saints.
Written by Roger Bothwell on February 10, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org