Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21
This section of Romans has so much packed into it. Some very tough instructions, that go totally against our human nature and original character programming. How does anyone live up to this standard? Here’s an exercise: think of the inverse of these instructions. As I attempted that task I began to realize that it is very much the current standard of culture today. Evil has become apparent everywhere, and permeating so much of entertainment and screens these days.
Those of us working on living out our TC2 commitment have to come to realize that we cannot do it under our own strength. This commitment and life of Christ can only be accomplished day to day with Him by His Holy Spirit within us. This means increasingly pushing into hearing and obeying His daily tasks given to us by the Holy Spirit. As we get older we begin to realize the enormity and value of the eternal reward He has set before us. Our pursuit of money and status begin to seem worthless in the light of a mature relationship with Him. When one begins to catch a glimpse of the vast eternal timeline and life with Him … the focus changes, and our hearts yearn for our love to be with us (children, family, friends) in eternity. Our priorities change and our prayer lives increase, praying for His help and understanding of His heart. We pray with more fervency for those we love to be overcome with His Presence.
It is in His Presence that our perspective becomes correct. We understand the very nature of things. His overwhelming power, and consuming glory. We quickly understand where we are in relationship with Him.
For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:24
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29
Begin today by asking Him to fill you, and encompass you with His Presence. Commit to Him to walk with Him and talk with Him throughout your entire day. Continually set your mind on Him. Bringing everything before Him. Act as if this is your final day on earth. If that were true — how would you pray? Who would you pray for? Who would you talk to? What would you say to them? Why are you waiting?
This spiritual walk is a daily exercise and experience, not a religious weekly ritual.