How We Roll

In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul speaks of the many afflictions he and others have been exposed to in spreading the good news of the Gospel. Despite the enormous challenges and dangers they faced, Paul points out that as servants of the Almighty, part of their calling is to present themselves, in every situation, as exemplifying the following qualities:

“purity

patience

kindness

holiness of spirit

genuine love

truthful speech

and

the power of God”

(2 Cor 6:6-7)

In today’s lingo, Paul is saying “This is how we roll” or how we operate. Though afflictions beleaguer and cultural challenges overwhelm, outer influences should not change how we move through the world as we share the character and good news of Jesus Christ.

I taped these words on the kids’ bathroom mirror a couple of years ago:

Live in such a way that when you put your head on the pillow at night you can say, “Lord, I did the best I could today to honor your name and live out my faith and love for you in both words and deeds.”

They’ve never commented on that note, but it’s ok. I understand it’s easier to read words on a page than it is to live them, same as it was easier for me to print out and tape the words up there than to be a living example. Those are lofty expectations at any age. And mostly we are trying to do our best. Not the kind of “best” we use as an excuse for not doing better, but the kind of best that asks God to help by adding his power and grace into a given day, a given situation.

The Message translation of the last part of 2 Corinthians 6:7 says, “we're doing our best setting things right.”

Thinking of the challenges we face today, that’s a verse any generation could get behind to help them "roll."