Good Report

Good Report

Today’ Reading:  Colossians 1

Daily we receive reports from everyone that we encounter. We receive morning reports at work. We receive updates and memorandums from co-workers. We receive traffic reports on the road. We receive and give daily reports to our spouses. Our kids report their school or camp activities. Reports are an essential part of our life and one way to understand our surroundings.

I can recall many reports that had been given on my account from growing up. I was raised in a small community in Dallas, TX. In this community everybody knew everybody else and their entire family. All of the children of the community of approximately 200 families went to the same elementary school. The school was in the center of the neighborhood, which was approximately a mile from the farthest house in the neighborhood. On one particular day in the third grade, I had to go to a friend’s house afterschool that was about half a mile away, which was off a busy street. As with most third grade boys, I had to test the boundaries and play too close to the edge of the curb. I didn’t notice the cars that were too close to my friends and me. I continued to finish my journey proceed to my friends house. As I walked inside the house I was greeted with some consequences to my previous actions. Unbeknownst to me (this is the era of pre-cellular communication), one of the cars that past by me, made a U-turn and went to my friend’s house and informed the parents of my behavior and that I was acting in an unsafe manner. Even though it has been almost 30 years, since this incident, I have not forgotten the impact of my actions and I know that there is always someone reporting on our behalf.

This brings us to Colossians, and the introduction that we receive in this first chapter. This is amazing book, this is a church that Paul has never visited, and he has only been given a report by Epaphras.   Wow, this is epistle of the apostle Paul that is part of our canon the Bible and it is a reflection of how important the REPORT of our interactions have profound affects on, not only our lives, but to those that are impacted. Can we image the impact of the report that would be given on our account? How would Epaphras report our dealings with each other? How would the report be on our households? Our worships and hardships? Our comings and goings? Then how would the report be received and responded to? Paul writes a beautiful introduction here to the church as though he had established the church and stayed in Colossae for years.  When I read the first verses I am overcome with a sense of connection and reverence:

Colossian 1:3-6, 9-12

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.

 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[e] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[f] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

 Being on the receiving side of this letter, I can only image the connection and communion the Colossians experienced. It is letter from someone that has never met you, but has so much love and affection for you. It is almost like receiving a letter from a distant relative that has the affection of a supportive parent. I pray that we are able to present ourselves in a manner that the REPORT of our lives is pleasing the our Heavenly Father.

The Book of Colossians

Welcome to the Book of Colossians!  Here is a little background as to who wrote this book and why was it written…

Most commentators agree that this book was written by Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome.

Several hundred years before Paul was born, Colossae had been a leading city. But, by the first century a.d. Colossae had become a second-rate market town, and the surrounding towns of Laodicea and Hierapolis had gained power and importance.

The Church of Colassae gained New Testament importance during Paul’s three-year ministry in Ephesus. Epaphras, a distinguished leader and probably the founder of the Colossians church, came to Paul in Rome with good news and bad news about the church. The good news was that the gospel had flourished among the Colossians who were continuing in their faith in Christ and in love for their fellow believers. The bad news was the Colossians were being troubled by a new teaching that was contrary to the gospel which Epaphras had been preaching to them. This young church became the target of heretical attack (heretical = of, relating to, or characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards (Merriam-Webster)).

Paul never directly states the heresy that is happening in Colossae, but, according to Bible Study Tools, the heresy was diverse in nature.

There were 6 areas of heresy happening in Colossae:

1. Ceremonialism – strict rules about the kinds of permissible food and drink, religious festivals (2:16-17) and circumcision (2:11;3:11)
2.  Asceticim – “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!” (2:21;2:23)
3.  Angel Worship (2:18)
4.  Depreciation of Christ. This is implied in Paul’s emphasis on the supremacy of Christ (1:15-20; 2:2-3,9).
5.  Secret knowledge. The Gnostics boasted of this (2:18, 2:2-3)
6.  Reliance on human wisdom and tradition (2:4,8).

Paul’s purpose of this book is to refute the heresies stated above.

Paul refutes this heresy by exalting Christ as:

*the very image of God (1:15),

*the Creator (1:16),

*the preexistent sustainer of all things (1:17),

*the head of the church (1:18),

*the first to be resurrected (1:18),

*the fullness of deity in bodily form (1:19, 2:9) and

*the reconciler (1:20-22).

These are all proof that Christ is completely adequate. Chapter 2 verse 10 states that we “have been given fullness in christ”.

These verses prove that the Colossian heresy was altogether inadequate. It was inadequate and deceptive philosophy (2:8).

How does the book of Colossians apply to our life? Just like this Church, we are easily misled to depart from our beliefs.   Bottom line – Colossians is all about who we are in Christ! When we find our security and significance in Him we find that He is really all we need. When we know that He is ALL we need, we want others to have what He’s given us – a personal relationship with Him through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Feeling Anxious?

Today’s reading:  Philippians 4

If you’ve ever thought the Bible was dated and not overly applicable to the 21st century, I hope you walked away after reading the forth chapter of Philippians today with a different opinion.  I found Paul’s closing words to the church in Philippi powerful and very pertinent.  Let’s start with the first half of verse 6:

… do not be anxious about anything…

The Oxford English Dictionary defines anxiety as a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Sound vaguely familiar to feelings you’ve experienced before?  Let’s take it a step further, anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness or anxiousness because they involve excessive fear or anxiety.  Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common of type of mental disorders and affect nearly 30 percent of adults at some point in their lives (www.Psychiatry.org)?  As adapted from the Harvard Law School urban legend, think about it this way – look to the person sitting on your left, now look to the person sitting on your right, one of you will struggle with an anxiety disorder some time in your adult life.  Oh boy, I’m not sure I like those odds.  Fortunately, Paul follows this statement with some really practical advice for us.

…but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

What is the opposite of anxiety, fear, nervousness or uneasiness?  Peace.  Not the absence of conflict, positive thinking, or simply feeling calm.  The peace Paul is talking about in verse 7 is the confident assurance that God works all things together according to his divine plan, a comfort that he has every situation under control.

Do you remember our study of John 14 last Christmas?  In this chapter, Jesus is trying to prepare his disciples for life without him.  These men had left EVERYTHING to follow Jesus.  To say they had anxiety about him taking off and leaving them on their own was probably an understatement.  I find Jesus’ words every bit as comforting today as they were to his disciples in the first century.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. Rise, let us go from here (John 14:27-31).

Do you see Jesus’ words of peace? – “…for the prince of this world is coming…he has no hold over me…”  Knowing that Jesus has power over Satan, the root of all evil, is how we can be confident he has every situation under control.  Turning our cares over to Jesus is the antidote for anxiety.  He is our peace.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever (Philippians 4:19-20).

Worthy of imitation?

After a quick transition to a new job in a new state with a new company along with plans to eventually move overseas, this last month has given me a lot to look forward to, and it has also inspired me to pause and reflect. Today’s reading is on Philippians 3 and this verse stood out in particular in reflection of the spiritual mentors/influencers in my life:

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. (Philippians 3:17)

Since I was a kid, my mom prayed for me to have friends, mentors, guides and role models influencing my spiritual journey in a positive way. As a result, whenever this prayer is answered, I praise God for what he’s done and thank him for my mom and her countless prayers and dedication.

Many of us have people we look up to or consider heroes in this life. I’m a sports fan, not a fanatic, so while I respect and admire those at the top – I don’t really follow these people and I’d never consider purchasing a jersey with someone else’s name on it. Famous actors/actresses, and even musicians are not that exciting to me… I’ll enjoy the contributions to the arts, but I won’t seek to imitate or follow these folks closely, if at all.

Those who do inspire me are the strong, bold, influential, successful, yet humble and self-aware leaders who live out their faith both outside and inside the workplace. The ones whose priorities are in the right order and encourage/support others to prioritize the same; loving God and loving people. My friend Duane exemplifies all of these attributes and is worthy of imitation through his imitation and submission to Jesus Christ. While I’ve tried to verbally share with him the impact he’s had on my life, he certainly doesn’t know the depth. Thank you Duane!

I challenge our readers to consider the following by thinking of those who have influenced your spiritual journey for the better:

  1. There are people observing our behavior and we likely have far more influence than we realize. What can or should we do about this? Are we living a life worthy of our calling?
  2. Who are the most spiritually influential people in your life? Have you thanked them properly? Do they have any idea how much they mean to you or of the fruitful results of their actions?
  3. What are the behaviors (known or unknown to others) that should not be imitated and are we seeking repentance? Can we, like Paul suggest that people imitate us?

Father God, thank you for putting people in our lives who pray for us, who lead by example and who boldly proclaim the gospel of salvation through your son Jesus. May our eyes be opened and affixed firmly on you to recognize your work, your plans, your will, and your ways. We repent for acting as though our ways are better. Give us the courage like Paul states (in Philippians 3:14) to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Amen.

Onesimus Has To Face The Music

Philemon 2 is a story about forgiveness. I think we can all relate and think of a time where we did something before we knew Christ, only to be saved and now have to face the problem you created. Onesimus had to do that very thing in this story.

 

The chapter starts off with Paul writing to someone named Philemon. We learned in Chapter 1 that Philemon was a guy that Paul brought to know the faith and it changed his life. Philemon went back to where he lived to tell others about the gospel and he grew to be a major part of the church. Now chapter 2 we find out that Philemon had a bondservant named Onesimus. Onesimus did something to Philemon, the passage hints toward him stealing something because Paul offers to put Onesimus’s debt on his “tab.”

 

Onesimus, after stealing from Philemon, runs off to Rome and happens to meet Paul. Paul teaches him the gospel and he becomes a Christ Follower. Now the story could have ended right there. Paul could have used Onesimus to help him out with ministry in Rome, but check out what he does!

 

I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.

 

Do you see the maturity in this passage? Paul is good friends with Philemon and as he got to know Onesimus he found out that he was one of Philemon’s bondservants. He could have just sent him a letter and kept Onesimus, or not even have written a letter to him BUT he didn’t. He chose to get his friend’s consent. Have you ever done something behind someone’s back thinking they would never find out…. and they did? Paul is so mature in his faith that he wants to make things right with Philemon and Onesimus rather than selfishly keeping him for his own intentions. Even though his intentions were good.

 

I think the moral of the story is think about the decisions you make and how they affect not only yourself but others. Also be willing to forgive someone who has wronged you, especially if they didn’t know Christ at the time that they wronged you. Have a great Thursday everyone!

5 Essentials for Christian Growth

Have you ever seen a W.W.J.D. bracelet?  If you’re wondering, it stands for ‘what would Jesus do?’  When I was growing up my friends and I all wore them.  We had them in all different colors.  We wore them inside out and upside down.  We were all about our W.W.J.D. bracelets.  

I always thought W.W.J.D.  was a great reminder to do the right thing.  Growing up there are so many choices that we are faced with.  Finding the right answer was not always easy but this bracelet seemed to at least start us looking in the right direction.

As a Christian grows up they hope to mature in Christ.  They hope to have the right answers and make the right choices more than they did when they were young.  This is what happens when a Christian matures.  Scripture is clear that Christ followers will grow (2Peter 3:18, 1Peter 2:2, 1Timothy 4:15, Ephesians 4:15, 1Corinthians 13:11, Colossians 2:6-7, 2Corinthians 3:18) From our reading today, Philippians 1:9-11 reveals to us the 5 essentials for Christian growth. That is, the 5 ways the Spirit works in us as we follow Christ.

  1. Love

We love because He first loved us. (1John 4:19)  It is no surprise that the first essential to Christian growth is love.  After all, love is the greatest attribute of a follower of Christ. (John 13:35)  In a world that tosses around this word seeking to destroy its meaning, it is always a good idea to return to the truth to test our definition of this defining characteristic of our faith in Jesus.

Agape is the word here translated as love. It is a self-sacrificing love.  Later in Philippians 2:1-8, Paul gives one of the fullest descriptions of agape love in the Bible. One statement from this scripture stood out to me, “…but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”  What would our lives look like if everyone’s interest were always placed above our own?

Love is not blind.  Quite the opposite love is very perceptive, very discerning.  True love produces obedience that requires knowledge of the truth.  (John 14:15, John 14:21, John 14:23, John 15:10, 1John 3:24)  Here is a list of 1236 commands from the New Testament.

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Philippians 1:9

  1. Excellence

Verse 10a begins, ‘that ye’ or ‘so that’ in the ESV, indicating that the first point is foundational to the second.  The word here ‘approve’ is ‘dokimazo’, meaning to allow, examine, prove, and discern.  The love of God, with its foundation in the Word (commands), not only helps us discern right from wrong but helps us discern what is best from what is only good.  God’s will is not good, it is perfect. (Romans 12:2)  Love and the Word help us find what is excellent.

When John Wesley went away to Oxford his mother wrote the following in a letter to him: “Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off the delight for spiritual things, whatever increases the authority of your body over your mind, that thing is sin.”

That ye may approve things that are excellent;
Philippians 1:10a

  1. Integrity

Verse 10b also begins with ‘that ye’ or ‘in order to be’ in the ESV, again making clear the continued progression of the text.  The word ‘sincere’ is ‘eilikrines’ and carries with it ideas of cohesiveness, oneness and unity.  What would our lives look like if everything touched everything else and ‘gelled’ as it were with no offences?  Does Christ touch every part of your life?  Is there any part of your life that you are keeping for you?  

that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.
Philippians 1:10b

  1. Good works

Verse 11a begins with ‘being’ or ‘having been filled’ in the ESV, a perfect passive participle in the Greek indicating something that happened in the past and is continuing here and now.  It is essential that we understand the progression of this Scripture.  The fruit’s appeal is instant gratification but trying to skip ahead or jump right to the fruit is a lie.  The fruit itself is not something to strive for in a direct sense.  The fruit is the byproduct of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)  Forced fruit without the leaven of love is legalism.  

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ
Philippians 1:11a

  1. Glory of God

Verse 11b begins with ‘unto’ or ‘to’ in the ESV, this is the purpose clause, it answers the question ‘why?’.  The most important essential is the glory of God.  Indeed it is the reason for the others.  

For a time I thought of reversing this list so that it would begin with God’s glory and end with love.  Though I decided against it, the reason was that it all actually starts here, with the end in mind.  

Our heart attitude is what sets all growth in motion, through the grace of Christ and the power of the Spirit.  Glory to God.  Glory to God is on the believer’s heart.  If God’s glory is our focus the Spirit will be at work in us, helping love abound in us, producing in us spiritual excellence, personal integrity, and genuine good works all to God’s glory.

As I made my way through this study I realised that there was one simple answer to that question ‘What would Jesus do?’ Jesus brings glory to the Father.

unto the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:11b

God, may our eyes be single for You. Amen.

 

Study sources:

Intro to Philippians

Happy Fourth of July!

Taking the 50,000 foot approach to starting our devotional and reflections on Philippians is as Paul would say, “pure joy!” This letter is one of Paul’s prison epistles . It was a positive letter by Paul written to thank the Christians living in Philippi for their gift they had sent him for his missionary work.  It was also to strengthen fellow believers by showing them (us) that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone. Amen!

As we look back in Acts 16 we read how Paul had a divine dream that told him to go to Macedonia to spread the good news.  (Acts 16:8-10)  God always has amazing perfect plans for all of our lives. This dream was perfectly planned. In Psalm 37:23, the psalmist writes, “the Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him“. God not only orders our steps but also orders our stops, especially in this case.  This vision lead to Philippi where they would be the first European City to receive the Gospel of Christ from Paul.

As I reviewed the various reflections on Philippians and read the intro’s in my study bibles I continue to land on the theme about the contrast between happiness and joy.  Knowing people want to feel happy and look for this in different material things, experiences, people, statuses, or even places like Happy Gilmore.  Yet all of this is just worldly happiness, that can often be related to our temporary current circumstances. What is your current circumstance? What is mine? The weather has been great, the pool is the perfect temp, camps have gone well, the pictures or final details are being finalized for all summer trips?  But what happens when the temperature changes, that 4th of July party ends, the children need to get back on a schedule…?  Or on a more serious side, a job has been lost, you lose a loved one, a bill comes in that leaves you strapped, your child faces addiction? Our happiness that is based on happenings can wither as each new trial prevails.  Going through Philippians will help remind us that in contrast to this earthly happiness or sadness true joy depends on our relationship with God. According to the Tyndale Study Bible it says,  “In contrast to happiness stands joy. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confidence assurance of God’s love and work in our lives, that He will be there for us no matter what! Happiness depends on happenings, Joy depends on Christ!”

So rejoice and enjoy these four chapters and look for the themes that include; finding joy in suffering, serving, believing, and giving.  I know my wife Jennifer will enjoy me referencing once again “Consider it all joy… verse from James 1:2-3 that I use often in our household of two young boys that love to follow a fallen, broken, bigger boy in myself.  I pray for Jennifer and I, our boys, and all of you to not seek the happiness of the world, but know the true joy in our relationship with the Lord!

Dear God ,

We are blessed by these letters of encouragement by Paul. Please fill our hearts when we have the feeling of being overwhelmed or in despair. Help us to pray for others that need to know your promises. Help us to stay positive and trust in you no matter our circumstances. Lord, help us to follow Paul’s example and know you more so we will rejoice in you always. Amen

Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

 

 

The Power of God

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 6

Today we hear from Paul about abuse of power and battling against evil. He begins with a gentle reminder to parents and children:

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4

 As a parent, this is a practical reminder for me at the end of a long weekend. Now that summer is in full swing, my children are constantly testing me on bedtimes, food choices and screen time. I work so hard to provide measured, consistent boundaries but at times I just lose it! I find myself using my power as a parent to inflict judgement and sometimes punishment on my children when really, I’m upset about someone else using their power against me. Often, when we feel belittled, demeaned or shamed in our adult life we respond by wielding that same power over someone else. Who among us hasn’t struggled with feelings of anger or resentment and turned that into revenge? We feel justified in counting another’s failures when we find ourselves in a position of power. Paul shows us in today’s reading that this is a common theme the enemy has been using against us for centuries. He addresses this in verse 5 in regards to the Ephesians and their slaves:

“Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.” Ephesians 6:5-9

 Paul reminds us not to abuse the positions of power we are blessed with. He cautions us to do our work here on earth with honesty and integrity. To work as if He is our boss and remember that we are all equal before God. Whether we work in an office, parent children, or simply live as an example of Christian values, we are called to reject Satan’s false promises. Leading a Christian life requires us to battle against authorities that do not put Jesus at the center. Lord, help us to see that you are the Master, you are the potter and that our power is through obedience to you. Guide us gently as Paul led the Ephesians to a life that’s closer to you.

Have a great holiday week!

Negotiating For Grace

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 5

I had an interesting conversation with a woman recently about joining my my company.  As we talked, she appeared to be a perfect match.  We value similar things and have many goals in common.  We agreed that if she were implement the systems and models we provide, she would experience unprecedented growth. The only logical conclusion is to be in business together.  As the conversation moved toward commitment, however, her tone changed.  She began to talk about the things that she would need before we could partner and the considerable expense that she would incur.  Of course, she wanted me to bear the cost.  It was in that moment that I realized the truth.  Yes, she would make a great partner and no, she does not yet understand the benefits and opportunities of this organization.

As I reflected, I recalled Matthew 13:25-26.  Jesus is telling a story about a merchant who sees a pearl of extraordinary value.  He says,

“the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

You see, when we find something of real value – of more value than anything that we have – we will use whatever means necessary to get it.  Don’t get me wrong, I am not comparing my company to the kingdom of heaven.  I’m simply saying that the woman I met with didn’t understand the full benefit.  She, therefore, attempted to enhance her perceived value by negotiating.  How about us?  Do we recognize the full value of Jesus sacrifice, or are we trying to negotiate a better deal?

Consider that question in context of our reading today.  The people of Ephesus saw the benefits of a Christ-following life.  Unfortunately, like us, they haven’t fully given in to the cost.  In a sense, we negotiate with God to take the grace that we need and save our old selves.  For example, Paul confronts them about their sexual immorality and covetousness.  He also adds simpler things like filthiness, foolish talk and crude joking.  All of them are equally relevant to us today.  Don’t we push the boundary of sexual immorality?  Yes.  It is evident in every movie, website and catalog that I see.  What about crude joking and foolish talk?  How do we even define crude joking?  I found an interesting definition on Biblehub.com.  “Ready wit.”  Interesting.  I don’t know about you, but I can cut down a person faster than most.  It’s a skill that I have finely tuned.  I wield it fiercely, proudly and often.  Trust me, I am not admitting that easily.  At this moment, it brings forth guilt and shame.  God does not discourage my reaction.  In fact, he reinforces it through Paul, calling me a “son of disobedience.”  The action God expects upon my acceptance of his gift is not negotiable.  There is no “mostly” good.  My failure, our failure, to surrender fully and still expect the full benefits of His loving grace is nothing short of trying to negotiate a better deal for our salvation.

Mindset

I would venture to say that a fair number of us reading this either played sports or music at some point in our lives. As I read Ephesians 4, I’m so thankful for the playbook or sheet music God gives us as the blueprint for how to live our life. The Word is full of this, but another great chapter that parallels this is Romans 12. In fact, if you are looking for a good resource, our small group did a Bible study by Chip Ingram called True Spirituality on how to become what he calls a Romans 12 Christian and it could have just as easily been about becoming an Ephesians 4 Christian.

Kurt Dorner is the Chief Development Officer with our Central Illinois Northwestern Mutual office, and he is also someone I am blessed to call a mentor and friend. Kurt’s mantra is “Better Every Day” which I absolutely love and reminds me of Ephesians 4. Kurt embodies a “growth” mindset. Just over a year ago I read a book called Mindset by Carol Dweck which changed my life and hopefully will result in changing the life of my family and those I mentor and lead. Carol talks about how most of us have a “fixed” mindset which means we see a limit or cap on things. We think we are either good or bad at certain things. For example, many say, “I’m bad at math.” This holds us back in life. Carol discusses that the highly successful have a “growth” mindset. They believe with practice and focus they can improve at anything. They also view nothing as failure and everything as learning or growth with no fear of the future and believe there is no cap on what’s possible.

Ephesians 4 rings of a “growth” mindset. In Ephesians 4:1, Paul states, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” In Ephesians 4:12=13 he says God gave us leaders to “equip the saints for the work of ministry for building up the body of Christ until we attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” In Ephesians 4:15, he says, “…we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head into Christ.” Seriously?! Be like Jesus? He was without sin! I’m guaranteed to fail, right?

I have been a believer my whole life being blessed to grow up with my family raising me in the church (yes..there were still questions at times). However, nearly all my life I would say I still carried a “hardness of heart” Paul speaks of in Ephesians 4:18. Not only was I hard on myself with a “fixed” mindset focusing on my failures, but I also focused on and judged other for their sins thinking they were worse than mine without much empathy for the pain or troubles they may be experiencing now or have experienced in the past. Over the last 6 years, I have developed a relationship with Christ through more time in prayer, more time in the Bible, and in close community with fellow believers in a small group. I can see a renewing of my mind Paul speaks of in Ephesians 4:23 and Romans 12:2. I can see a softening of my heart as my relationship with Christ grows as Paul speaks of in Ephesians 4:24-32. I notice myself being more forgiving of others transgressions because Christ forgave me (Ephesians 4:33). Please take note that the verbs I used all included “ing” on the end of them. I’m nowhere near where God calls me to be, and I never will be. I sin every hour and likely every minute of every day. I desperately need a Savior in Jesus because even just one sin separates me from God without him (Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23). It’s about the process of improving though by striving to be like Christ not to earn grace, but because of his grace. It’s about a “growth” and a “better every day” mindset.

In Ephesians 4:1, God urges us through Paul’s writing to step into this calling to grow to be more like Christ. He knows we will never reach it by our own works on this Earth. 2 Cor 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that we may become the righteousness of God.” Here in Ephesians 4:7 he says, “But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”  We will mess up many plays in the playbook of life, and we will miss many notes in our musical performance.  However, 1 Corinthians 15:57 says,“But thanks be to God! He gives us victory (or a we could say a standing ovation) through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

All we have to do is believe in Him. For that free gift of grace I say God is good…wait…no…God is GREAT…all the time!