Don’t Be That Guy—Book Of Romans Edition
/Six times in the book of Romans the apostle Paul tells us what not to be, mostly in the 12th chapter. Consider these things we aren’t to be or to do:
11:20 “Do not be conceited, but fear…”
12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
12:11 “not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord”
12:16 “do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.”
12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Don’t be arrogant in spiritual things. Don’t be conformed to this world. Don’t lag in devotion to God. Then there is another warning not to be arrogant, but this time not towards others. And don’t let evil rule you.
In these things we see a very heavy concentration on full devotion to God and treating others well. Just like Jesus said when addressing the greatest commandment: “Love God will all your heart, soul, mind and strengthen. and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:26-40).
No, don’t be that guy who puts himself first and is arrogant to God and man and tries to use both to his own selfish advantage. In this you will also fulfill Paul’s final instruction of what not to do:
13:8 “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.”