Making a Mark!

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong.
Hold tightly to what is good.”
Romans 12:9

Y’all, the McVeys are not the perfect “social media” picture-worthy family. We are broken, sinful, mean, and selfish. And I’m just getting started on the kids….LOL!! Just kidding, I’m talking about John and me too.

When I was studying Romans 12, verses 9-18 grabbed a hold of my spirit. As believers, we are called to make a mark on those God has entrusted to us.

Warren Wiersbe says, “In the Christian life, doctrine and duty always go together. What we believe helps to determine how we behave.”

Being a mission-minded servant originates from a foundation rooted in love. Love must be the power behind the mission.

Love God. Love others. In that order.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:9

Meet the Miles Family, the family that taught me how to love. (They also taught me how to fight, but that’s for another time. LOL) They are in my “love others” category.

(Dad James, Me, Momma Freeda, Jim, and Lisa)

Romans 12 begins with Paul talking to the “body of Christ”, the church. Please keep in mind, the “church” is about people, not a building.

God’s love is both for the believer and the unbeliever. That’s why He tells us to LOVE OTHERS! We are called to make a mark on others. But, we must first begin with LOVING GOD!

How do we do that? Paul begins the chapter with some great instructions.
He tells us to:

❏ Don’t copy the world, but let God transform you (vs. 2)
❏ Don’t think you are better than anyone else (vs. 3)
❏ We have a lot of parts but of one body (vs. 4-5)
❏ Use the gifts God gave you to serve others and serve them well (vs. 6-8)

After you allow God to make a mark on your heart by loving Him, you can fulfill the second commandment, love others.

(Isaac, John, MaryAlice, Me, and JD)

Do we show hospitality, (shown out of love, not duty) to our own family as much as we do others?

Are we mission-minded within the walls of our home and in our extended home?

If I am being transparent, my people (McVey and Miles Families) usually get the leftovers. There have been times when I have made a wonderful meal to take to someone else in need. My family would then be fed leftovers or pizza. Again, I have spent hours serving others and then complained about “having to do” 15,000 loads of “their” laundry.

Is anybody tracking with me? This is hard stuff

We must be intentional to love and serve those that God has entrusted to our care. We can’t choose to make a mark only for the people outside of our home. If we do, then we have a crack in our foundation.

BUT GOD!

He is so good! He loves us, and he knows the desires of our hearts. He has provided wonderful instructions for making a mark on those we love, inside and outside of our home. Remember the goal is to live out Matthew 22:37-40.

Here are 10 ways to make a mark:

1. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. (vs. 9)
2. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (vs. 10)
3. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. (vs. 11)
4. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. (vs. 12)
5. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. (vs. 13)
6. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. (vs. 14)
7. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. (vs. 15)
8. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of
ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! (vs. 16)
9. Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. (vs. 17)
10.Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (vs. 18)

God has given us the “TOP TEN” ways of making a mark. If we are mission-minded and keep our doors open, we will make a mark on people’s lives inside and outside of our home.

Maya Angelou said it best:
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Time to Unfold

• Read God’s Word: Meet with Him daily. Read the entire chapter of Romans 12. Meditate upon verses 9-18. Hide them deep in your heart.
• Pray: Ask God to open your heart and mind with ways to love and serve your family. Ask Him to give you a burden for specific family members. Maybe you need to begin with forgiveness.
• Do: Serve your family with random acts of kindness. Live out the “Top Ten” within your home.
• Repeat: Be intentional by making a mark on the lives that God has entrusted to your care.

Making a mark,