Romans 1:8 NKJV

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Romans 1:8 NKJV

Paul gave thanks to God for the believers in Rome. Looking at their determination to hold on to the faith that is in Christ Jesus in the midst of a mixed society.

Rome being the centre of travel and politics is also a city that practises all kinds of religious worship that are against the teachings of Jesus.

When the Jews were banished from Rome afew years back under Claudius, many pagan practices entered the Jewish practice in Rome.

Many of the ideology was adapted in the places of worship. It is also a place where all kinds of lifestyle were being practiced by the people in Rome.

But the believers that Paul is discipling stood strong in their faith despite living in an challenging environment with leaders who have gone with the society at that time.

Today we also face all kinds of ideology in our society, many kinds of belief system but what we have inside of us through Christ can stand against every form of deception just like the believers in Rome.

The news of their stand and their faith in Jesus Christ have spread throughout Rome. In order for people to recognise the believers in Rome, they must have been standing out different from the rest of their society.

Not indulging themselves with what everyone else is doing, not participating with what has been made normal in their culture.

They were not trying to show off they were believers in Christ. They were simply living the life of Christ everyday.

Can people know that we are a believer? Is the way we respond to things different from the world? Are we displaying Christ for all to see and know Him?

These are important questions to ask ourselves so that we can continue to remain in Christ and live life that reflects Jesus in the midst of our society today.

People in Rome had a model, someone the people can see - the difference, the benefits, the blessings, the joy and the peace they have by following Jesus.

Let us be that role model in this world. Shining Jesus through our lives, through our responses and through our actions everyday.

Live in the blessings,

Ps Ambrose