BIBLE PASSAGE:
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy
of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to
keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one
body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you
were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father
of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
(Ephesians 4:1-6)
MEDITATION:
None of us like to be considered a prisoner of anything, but Paul
considered it an honor to be called a “prisoner for the Lord”.
He tells us that, like him, the Lord calls those He saves
(although it might be a different area of service than Paul’s calling).
Even if we have yet to discover where He wants us to serve,
we can still prepare for service by following some guidelines,
such as:
– learn to become ‘completely humble’ (in other words real humility);
– develop gentleness as a defining characteristic of who we are;
– discipline ourselves to become patient
(a virtue that is a precursor to gentleness);
– and, be tolerant of others who might have differing opinions,
(remember: “difference” doesn’t necessarily mean “wrong”).
On the last point: two people may read the same scripture
and it might mean something different to each one, because
God wants to communicate something specific to each person.
Both could be correct in their interpretation, but the difference
is, each one is expressing God’s revelation specifically for them.
When we follow these guidelines, we will have a much more
peaceful attitude, which contributes to the unifying of the Spirit
working in the body of believers (as opposed to dividing the Spirit).
This is important because there is only “one” Lord, “one” faith,
“one” baptism, “one” God and Father; which means there is
“one” hope for those who have been saved and called by God.
There is a subtle warning implied by Paul that we should not
engage in heated debates about scriptures, but instead we
should peaceably consider that God is the Father of dispensation
(which means He speaks specifically to individuals
because He knows what they need at that particular time).
What can we expect from following the outline Paul has given us?
We will become “usable” by God because we have
become a new person, with new goals, attitudes, and focus.
As a new person,
we have more confidence and a new consideration of others.
For instance, Satan wants to convince us that if we say anything
regarding God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, we will be offensive,
confrontational, inconsiderate, and intrusive.
It is a weapon he confidently uses to discourage believers
from sharing the goodness of God, the love of Jesus,
and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
As a result of his tactics,
many believers are reluctant to openly express their faith.
However, God equips us with a new perception, which
allows us to freely and casually share our faith with others.
ACTION:
Too often thoughts like “I don’t want others to dislike me”
will inhibit our desire to talk about spiritual things.
When we allow those thoughts to discourage us, we are too
focused on what ‘we’ can do, and not on what ‘God’ can accomplish.
God gives us a new sensitivity (along with a new trust in Him),
so that we can easily include Him in conversations (as He inspires
us), with full confidence that He will impact the hearts of others.
He teaches us that even though we might feel awkward initially,
it becomes easier and more natural the more frequently we do it.
We discover that our goal is not to ‘change’ others, but to let
them know about the activity of the Trinity in our own life.
We have no problem sharing about other activities
in our life, so why would we shy away from talking
about the activity of God, and how He has impacted us?
When we allow Him to control our thoughts and words,
we discover that others will feel less threatened with
becoming uncomfortable when discussing the topic of faith.
When we develop the qualities Paul has outlined, we become
a person of faith who others will feel comfortable being around.
When we accept and commit to what God wants of us,
not everyone will respond in a positive manner
(Jesus had some of the same reactions), but we can find
joy in knowing we have planted seeds for Him to water.
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not
return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will
go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains
and hills will burst into song before you, and all the
trees of the field will clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:11-12)
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You know the things that inhibit me
from sharing my faith with others. I pray that You will
help me to develop the qualities listed by Paul, so that
I will be less reluctant to talk about You, Jesus, and the
Holy Spirit, but will instead enjoy the opportunities to
tell others how my life has been changed. Help me to
be more sensitive to the needs of others and to encourage
them often, especially when they are experiencing difficult
times. Teach me how to let Your love show through me.
Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, mercy, grace,
blessings, encouragement and salvation!”
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