IT

Ephesians 4:1-4

It is intentional. It doesn't come by accident.. It is hard at times. Often, it will bring you to a place of loneliness. It is something that is desired by many but done properly by few. Sadly, with it often comes pride when in reality and when done correctly it comes with great humility. The perception is that it brings great freedom but what many do not see is that with freedom comes great responsibility.

What is 'it'?

'It' is to 'lead'. Paul asks of us this,

"I beg you to LEAD a life worthy of your calling;

for you have been called by God.

Always be humble and gentle.

Be patient with each other,

making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit,

binding yourselves together with peace.

For there is one body and one Spirit just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future."

Cause. Command. Direct. Initiate. All words found in the definitions of the word 'lead.' All things that are intentional. Paul does not ask but begs, pleads, urges, implores us to lead our lives. Often, we feel as if our lives are leading us, that we are merely actors in a play that has already been written for us with no room for change. And the worst part is, that many times we don't like where our lives have lead us to in the past or leading us to in the future.. Ah, but here lies the interesting fact that Paul so urgently points us to. We must take control and lead.

"Follow your heart.." A phrase we hear so often. Unfortunately we tend to "Follow our lives". We are not to be led by our lives but have the great responsibility to lead them. Remember, as I said earlier with leading comes great responsibility. It is our choice. Our lives are a direct result, not of coincidence or happenstance but of our choices and habits. You may argue with me here that other people's choices have influenced where your life is today. Yes. Your are correct. But you choose our response. Your attitudes, integrity, words, character are all a reflection of you not someone else's choices. Others of you may get spiritual and argue that God is to lead our lives. In some ways that is correct but in other ways it's a copout. God does not make your choices for you. His Holy Spirit whispers and sometimes screams for you to go in the right direction but it is your choice whether or not you are obedient.

Notice in the verses that follow the things Paul commands of us: Always by humble and gentle. Not sometimes but always. Be patient. Make allowance for each others faults. Hold on a minute! Even when they offend us? Even when they hurt us or cause inconvenience to our lives? Yep, you got it. Make every effort to keep yourself united. Bind yourself with peace...

These things do not come by accident or without intention. These are not things that by our own human nature can be done. No way. It is because of the unfailing, unconditional deep love of God. Thank God that His grace daily empowers me to do and become more than I could ever imagine.

So I ask you today. Does your life lead you or do you lead your life?