22 October 2015 - gotta serve somebody

For just as you presented the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity
and to lawlessness for lawlessness,
so now present them as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.

As Bob Dylan reminds us, you gotta serve somebody. Paul suggests discernment so that we choose wisely. He suggests reflecting on his behaviors make us feel in the long run rather than just how they seem at the time. It is like how Ignatius of Loyala enjoyed both tales of chivalry and lives of the saints. But he noticed that the former would leave him with a feeling of disquiet but the latter would give him peace.

But what profit did you get then
from the things of which you are now ashamed? 

This helps us to optimize our service, choosing not just the good thing but the best thing, the one thing necessary.

For the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is the only way we have courage to stand with Jesus when brings division.

Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.

Division is not his goal but division is often necessary so that truth can be recognized.

For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized (cf. 1 Cor. 11:19).

But if we don't have good discernment we choose what feels good at the time rather than what is best for the long term. We never make the choice to feel awkward or embarrassed for the sake of the kingdom. Who are we serving then?

The fire of Jesus can give us the strength to stand firm. But we have to choose it. We have to present or bodies as slaves of righteousness. Only if we do this will we receive the gift he promises: eternal life.

Let us discern well so that we delight in his law.

He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.