I’m consistently amazed at the apostle Paul’s ability to hold in such great tension these two truths: 1. Everything is because of and about God’s grace and mercy, and 2. Man should respond in worship and hard work. Romans 12 is one example where this tension is evident. Here's how it plays out: God's mercy (12:1) leads to... Worship of God—sacrifice and service (12:1) done in... Humility and sober self-assessment (12:3) because of... God's grace—and all of his gifts (12:6) therefore... We work harder than anyone else (12:11) resting our identity in... Jesus' work and not our own (12:12). Amen. Find Pastor Jamie on Facebook and Twitter.