Morning Devotional 021926 Choose Justice

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

February 19, 2026

Romans 12:1-8

1 So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service. 2 Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature. 3 Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has measured out a portion of faith to each one of you. 4 We have many parts in one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function. 5 In the same way, though there are many of us, we are one body in Christ, and individually we belong to each other. 6 We have different gifts that are consistent with God’s grace that has been given to us. If your gift is prophecy, you should prophesy in proportion to your faith. 7 If your gift is service, devote yourself to serving. If your gift is teaching, devote yourself to teaching. 8 If your gift is encouragement, devote yourself to encouraging. The one giving should do it with no strings attached. The leader should lead with passion. The one showing mercy should be cheerful.

Good Morning! Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary!

2 Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.

It is easy to find ourselves going with the flow. I’m guessing most of us had a time when we were asked, “If everyone [jumped off the cliff] (insert your own words), would you jump too?” 

Perhaps Christ is asking, “If everyone is condemning that person, would you condemn them, too?” 

We are called to be advocates for the lost, lonely, and outcasts, as Christ taught us, but accepting that task often puts us at risk or in an awkward position. It is hard to stand up for what is right when others mock or threaten us. Even if the threat has no attached violence, we don’t want to be the subject of conversation.

We are set apart to do God’s work. To stand strong even when the storms of discontent are pushing against us. The one giving should do it with no strings attached. The leader should lead with passion. The one showing mercy should be cheerful.

Don’t be afraid to let your true colors show. Be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons! 😍🦩

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! We want to do the right thing, but we also want to fit in. When those are in opposition, help us choose the right thing. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: God is with those who stand for justice!

When you are afraid, ask yourself, “WWJD?” Pastor Liz