THE HEART OF THE MATTER
Bernadette Keene
Today’s Scripture: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3, ESV
Theme: Work on remaining humble and gentle even when you think you are right and someone else is wrong.
PERSPECTIVE AND REFLECTION
Today’s Scripture starts out with the apostle Paul introducing himself as a prisoner for the Lord, followed by words of encouragement to the group of believers in Ephesus. This body of believers was made up of both Jewish and Gentile converts who typically did not get along because of significant religious and cultural reasons. Isolation of the Jewish people, their strict laws, and persecution by the ruling Gentile government had caused a rift between the two communities.
Unity between the two groups became a reality through One common denominator – Jesus Christ. The sacrifice of Jesus broke down barriers between people, giving access to God, bringing peace and unity among them. They became a unified family in Christ.
As the days move closer to the election, I cannot help but reflect on Paul’s urging to the Ephesians to maintain a Godly perspective and to walk in a manner worthy of their calling and how that seems equally appropriate for us today. We are called to be gentle and humble, eager to maintain unity. We are called to keep our thoughts on things above and not on earthly things. In moments when I start to feel puffed up about any political issue, I pause and seek discernment from the Holy Spirit about whether this issue will matter when I stand before God and if what I say will draw people closer to God or push them away. I recently heard this statement that has helped me to keep things in perspective: “When all is said and done, we will not be kneeling before a president, a political sign, or a flag… but we will kneel before God.” – unknown.
I urge you to remember the One common denominator that breaks down barriers and brings us all together, the true heart of the matter – Jesus.
Make It Personal: A few days ago, I had someone come to my door to discuss politics. When I saw them coming, I sighed and rolled my eyes, then stepped outside to greet them. I stood there for the next fifteen minutes listening to the barrage of stances and opinions. They tried to convince me to plant a sign in my yard promoting their candidate, which I politely declined. As I reflected on all that was said, I considered that we may share that One common denominator, Jesus, but we never got around to talking about Him because we were caught up in the concerns of this world. I was so convicted of the missed opportunity to pray in unity for our country and for each other and to focus on the One who really matters…
I pray that, when God gives me the opportunity to share His love with others, I will not be irritated by things like yard signs and politics but will remember to see the person in front of me, extend grace, be kind and gentle, and most of all strive to reflect the heart of God to a world that so desperately needs Him.
Pray: Lord, help us to remember to be humble, tender-hearted, and unified in the Spirit during these difficult days. Help us to remember as we talk to people who may believe differently than we do about politics, life, and faith that our primary objective is to communicate the Good News about Jesus with our words and by our behavior. Let us not be so wrapped up in political matters that we forget whose we are. When I open my mouth to speak, help me to remember Your Word that says, “a soft word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, ESV). Amen.
Read: Acts 20:19, Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 3:8
Weekly Memory Verse: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35, ESV