The section of verses, 9-21, are entitled "Marks of the True Christian". Now, of course, these titles are not actually in the words of Scripture but are inserted by the editors and translators, but this heading always catches my eye and gets me excited (and feeling a little guilty) at the same time. Here is a list of pretty concrete things that you should be doing if you are a true Christian. Past some of the upfront and essential tenants of Christian faith (such as, in my humble opinion, 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength', 'Love your neighbor as yourself', and 'Confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised him from the dead, and you will be saved.'), this list is where it's at.
It's so direct and clear. It's tangible things that don't seem overly theological or too deep to grasp. There might be many different ways that a person could go about doing each of these things, but I'm confident that every person in the world could find a way to do them.
And yet, when was the last time you (or I) truly strove to do these things? I write this thinking of myself and fellow Christians, but also my fellow human beings. Sure, some things on this list are specifically Christian, or at least religious, but since when is extending hospitality to strangers something you can't do without a belief in Christ? Or rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep? Or living peaceably with all? Some would say that Christians often fail at many of these tasks, maybe even more than non-Christians.
Which brings me to my question: Do we seek to do good in the world, or are we just trying to not be bad?
Do we look at the lists that are in many of the the books of the bible, those famous lists that we hear railed about in sermons, and think to ourselves, "Well at least I'm not doing that! At least I'm not as bad as those people who [insert whatever your idea of the 'worst sin' is here]. I would never do someone as bad as that!"
It's much easier to look at a list that includes acts that we deem horrific and unthinkable and be proud that we haven't done those things than it is to look at a list of 'The Marks of the True Christian' and admit to ourselves that we aren't doing a single one of those things. What good is it to stay away from evil things if we are not doing good things as alternatives? Picking the road that is easier, both on our actions and ways of living as well as on our hearts and conscience, is wrong. It is contrary to God's purpose for our lives, and to what it means to be a caring, loving, and compassionate human being.
And if you're wondering what the list is and don't have a bible handy to look it up, here it is, as found in Romans 12:9-21 in the NRSV Translation:
Romans 12:9-21New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Marks of the True Christian
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
