Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Called to Unity

Gracious John
St. Andrews MTC, NY
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called,

Many resolutions were made for 2017. Decisions that this year, we will change, evolve, or become better in certain aspects of our life. However, at day 20, many have already forgotten or quit on these resolutions. Today’s passage is motivating a new resolution: “…Live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

In order to live a worthy life, we must first recognize that we only qualify because of Grace. Grace is God’s gift to us through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense). We are so used to earning our worth through deeds and actions determined by the world. However, the Cross enables us to be worthy of our calling. Next, we must understand what our calling is. We are all called to take part in our God-given birth right as sons and daughters of God. We are His ambassadors to the nations. Do we understand this privilege or do we find ourselves burdened by it?

We are called to live a certain character. Vs 2 reminds us of what we are charged with. We forget to remind ourselves to emulate this character. Do we spend time evaluating our gentleness in situations of life? Are we patient and bearing with others we encounter? Are we even patient and bearing between fellow brothers and sisters? Do we fight for unity or are we unifying to fight? Do we care about the spirit or about peace? Is humility even a thing anymore? Even more simply, do we love every day? These are the thoughts that we must evaluate and develop daily. The cross is the symbol of God knowing we could not do this on our own. Christ is the proof that God knew this, but loved us anyway.

Let’s start a new resolution today. One remembering to be patient, gentle, bearing, and makers of peace. One relying on the Spirit and God’s grace. One that fights for unity in our church and between its members. A year where we will lean more than ever on God’s grace and answer the call of worth given to us.


PRAYER


Dear Lord, help us to be more gentle, humble, and bearing. Forgive us for not living with the worth You intended. Thank You for loving us despite all our short comings. Strengthen us to represent Your character and to live a life worthy of Your calling leaning on Your love and grace. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

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