Because this is what we do ...

It hangs above our kitchen table. This list of what our Family does.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. 

Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 

Rejoice in our confident hope. 

Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. 

Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 

Live in harmony with each other. 

Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. 

And don’t think you know it all!

Never pay back evil with more evil. 

Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
    I will pay them back,”
    says the Lord.

Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
    If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
    burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

                       -Romans 12: 9-21 (NLT)

We spent last year in our weekly devotions teaching these to our children, my guy and I.  But I'm just not sure if we're living the living Word yet. Not sure if it's really sunk in. Or if it ever will.  Into this stony heart that still struggles with pride and contempt.

And I just want things to be different. I want revival. I know it has to start here, with me, on these knees. I want to actually live what I know. Boldly, radically. Fly high like my wings were made to soar. I've really got to get out of this cage. Out of this flesh that binds me.

I need to be a part of changing this.

AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery

And I must stand up against this.

And I just have to say something about this.

And we've got to be a part of stopping this.

Because as this new creation in Him, this is who I am. And this is what I'm about. Begin with Really loving people, all the way down to conquering evil by doing good.

Lord, would You bring justice to Your creation? You made us to love You and walk in Your ways, and we need Your help. Without Your Spirit - none of this will ever change, but with You - all things are possible.  You have made us new so that we can not only have righteous identity through the grace of Your Son, but also so that we can have righteous behavior through the power of Your Spirit working through us.  Lord, bring Your redemption and revival, and begin with me.