Building Renewal 

Today’s author is Prince of Peace member Steve Sveom.

Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

I enjoy either serving the Lord’s Supper or watching the congregation receive the gift of Christ’s body and blood. As people receive this gift, there is a great diversity and a wonderful unity. All are receiving this gift of God’s grace, but each is coming from a different place. One may have health concerns, while another is celebrating a promotion at work. One may have difficulty even walking to receive the gift, or may even have to stay in place where the elements can be brought to them. Children have an energy that is infectious, and others may have a serious stability of long-term faith.

Within this diversity is the work God to inspire the will and mind to faith in the mercy of God. There is transformation that can take place and seeing the people receiving the gift of grace reminds us where we have been and where we are going. Within the faith community, transformation can take place.

A young man came to realize that he was a master of sarcasm and cynicism. The community of faith, sharing love and support, revealed that to him. I marveled at how his mind and heart changed and he became a strong fixture and leader in the community of faith. Then, he surprised everyone by deciding to attend seminary to become a pastor. The mercy of God transformed him and worked in him to be a blessing.

How will God work among us?

God of mercy, by your grace receive our offerings of love. Renew our minds to be creative in seeking your will for what is “good and acceptable and perfect.” Amen