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Prisoner of God’s character
Rod ShimabukuroI therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2]with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3]eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3
Paul identifies himself as a prisoner of the Lord. Interesting word picture since he just prayed about the church being filled with Jesus love and power. The contrast of being a powerful, loving believer and the attitude of a prisoner is impacting imagery. He closes out this section of the letter (v32) about being kind, tenderhearted and forgiveness.
It’s as if Paul is saying the power and love of the church is seen by the humility, kindness, gentleness, and forgiveness of Christians towards one another. Unity is a priority to God and to the family of God.
I want to be a prisoner to kindness, love, forgiveness and humility! If I were to be the kind of spiritual criminal in God’s eyes - who violates the ways of the world - that would be awesome! I don’t want to lose the eagerness and passion of being a prisoner of God’s character - especially in the middle of conflict.
- Humility: I need to constantly remember that God loves the person I don’t like. So I release my pride.
- Gentleness: Be softer in my words and demeanor. I can out on a shield of cold-hardness with weak leaders who I expect to be Christ-like.
- Patience: Don’t react quickly when meeting conflict or when an issue “pops up.” Wait, think, pray, ponder, process with the Spirit in heart before words and actions.
- Love: All I can say...I NEED YOU JESUS!!! PLEASE...I NEED YOU!!
Dear God - I am so sorry that I imprison myself to my own choices of my flesh. I even have the keys to choose to quickly escape - but I keep myself chained. So I repent again! Please forgive me! Thank you for Your grace and help to choose to be imprisoned in You, to You and Your character!
