The Bond of Peace
“Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Wow…that sure is a high standard. What would a life that is worthy of the calling (the calling to be disciples of Christ) look like?
Paul goes on to say in Ephesians 4, that is looks like this: 1) completely humble and gentle (reading this would be enough to make me give up!) 2) be patient (another huge stumbling block for Lynn!) 3) Bearing with one another in love 4) Make EVERY effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of PEACE
Every day, we walk in and out of situations that call out to us to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace – a child who tests every word we say, a husband who is struggling at work and carries it home on his shoulders, the lady next to you at work who can’t get her work done because she is constantly on the phone. The word calls us to make EVERY effort to keep the unity. I am aware of many instances in my life where an irritating situation wants to wedge a thorn between me and those I serve and love.
Working with different churches at special events, there is always one thing or two that doesn’t come off the way they are suppose to. Many times, those things happen right before I speak. Sometimes I am able to give it to the Lord; other times I fail. This past weekend, I was irritated with some girls who wanted to sit in the back of the sanctuary. Instead asking the Holy Spirit how to handle it, I took care of it myself! (Bad move – during worship the Lord reminded me of the verse that says if you have ought against anyone take care of it before you give your offering. Pretty embarrassing having to apologize before I spoke!) I didn’t take every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
What is your thorn today? What is that thing that is trying to dig it’s way under your skin so that it can fester and cause infection? Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to give us HIS bond of peace. Once again…we can’t do it without Him!