Be transformed

Haiku responding to Romans 12:1-8

Sisters and brothers,

I appeal to you, present

your whole selves to God.

Be a sacrifice

that lives toward God; this is

the way you worship.

Don't be like others,

but be transformed; let your minds

be renewed through Christ.

Discern what God wants;

those things that are good, perfect

and acceptable.

Through the grace God gave

me, I tell you, don't be proud;

see yourself truly.

Make sober judgement

of your self, in accordance

with your faith from God.

All of the members

of the body of Christ have

differing functions

By grace we have gifts

diverse: prophecy, teaching,

and encouragement.

Don't neglect your gifts.

Lead tirelessly; be cheerful

showing compassion.

© Ken Rookes 2026

One Body

Haiku for members

Hey there, look at me

I am so clever, gifted;

I have the Spirit!

So, even Christians

get caught up, forgetting love.

It’s all about me!

Seduced by power,

craving honour and glory;

forgetting their Lord.

My gift is better

than your gift is. Look at me!

God thinks I’m clever.

It’s time you grew up.

Boasting is way out of line

for people of God

Your gifts were given

that you might work together;

do great things for God.

Big gifts, lesser gifts,

each one has their part to play;

you need each other.

In the one Spirit

baptised into one body;

Jews, Greeks, slaves and free.

© Ken Rookes 2020

Posted in response to the Narrative Lectionary for Pentecost