“Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us.”
Ephesians 4:1-3 HCSB
Paul was a literal prisoner. He was in jail. Lonely, dark, stinky, dangerous. Seems like a hopeless situation. Where in your life does it seem most hopeless? Perhaps if you and I simply take advantage of our current circumstances we will see the Lord uniquely use us!
He was also a prisoner of Christ. A DOULOS! A slave to his calling. First, are you a Christian? Do you have someone in your life you can share the love of Jesus with? Why would someone not choose Christ. Ask yourself or your friend this question then be quiet and listen.
Paul choose to focus on Jesus no matter what his circumstances dictated. You and I can too! Here is how:
1. Walk openly in your Christian faith.
2. Humble yourself in the sight of God and He will lift you up. Humility will set you free from unnecessary expectations.
3. Gentleness and patience go hand in hand. Be easy to be around, don’t judge everyone and everything and let time be your friend. Patience gives you refreshment from the tyranny of the urgent.
4. Accept others for who and how they are. It will help keep the unity of the Spirit and bond of peace. Often we lose our peace as Christians because we simply get caught up in battles and fights that are not ours to engage in.
Today, check your relationship with Jesus. Do you have one? Is there someone you can share with? Then, TAKE IT EASY! Let today’s scripture recalibrate your heart and attitude. You will be refreshed when you do!