Divine Wisdom for Daily Living by Joanne Colvin

Finding Contentment by Resting from Anxiety

“And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:28-34)

Last Sunday I touched on this passage to provide a closer look at God’s sovereignty in the context of the worship that we owe the Lord. I wrote, “God is the first cause of everything that occurs here and everywhere, which can and should be a tremendous comfort for those who belong to him.” But Jesus knows that being satisfied with less is one of the most significant trials and failures for Christians globally. We can learn to live with less, but we’re usually not content, and few people are joyful when stripped to the bare necessities that Jesus mentions here (easy work, basic food, drink, and clothing). It would be logical for us to find relief in having less of everything, and simpler food, for a more low-key life. It has taken me about a year to begin to think of coming home to eat (instead of going out), after a long day as more relaxing. I eat less, spend less money and time driving, and  kick off my shoes when I walk in the door—relief! But we tend to stress ourselves with something special as a kind of reward, instead of finding rest special. I get why meal plans like Hello Fresh, Home Chef, and Plated are so popular. The food is selected, packaged with a menu and recipes, ready to turn into a healthy meal in the convenience of your home. Perhaps this is one way to remove anxiety from your life if you can afford it.

Now let’s get back to Jesus and his dissertation. John Gill’s Commentary reminds us that Jesus “was now preaching on the mount, in an open place; and as he could point to the fowls of the air, flying in their sight, so to the flowers, in the adjacent fields and valleys: which he would have them look upon, with their eyes, consider and contemplate in their minds, how they grow; in what variety of garbs they appear, of what different beautiful colors, and fragrant odors, they were; and yet they toil not, or do not labor.” (1) The Reformation Study Bible makes a good follow-up argument about the life of birds “The point is not that the birds don’t work, but that they don’t worry about the future and what it holds for them.” (2) Birds are working all the time, some to find nectar, some to find food for their young, others to make nests in the trees, and some to migrate. Lilies look passive but are always active in the process of using photosynthesis to produce the food they need to live. Birds, grass, and flowers spend all their time in survival mode while most of people can meet basic needs in less than half a day, in developed countries. The majority world’s general population is more attuned to the work required for basic life necessities of clean water, healthcare, basic food, and minimal clothing. These millions are much closer to understanding the biblical truth that God supplies our basic needs (which may be quite different than our “wants”).

One warning is clear from this passage: Worry is inconsistent with living by the gospel, in relationship and dependence upon Christ, since doubts distract and weaken our faith. Many of Jesus parables make this point; we hear “O you of little faith” often in his teaching sessions. Jesus calls you (and me) to always be  “…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Is that what we are doing, to be content with God’s providence?

(1) JohnGill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible, Matthew 6 https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/matthew-6.html

(2) The Reformation Study Bible, Matthew 6:25-33 Note, Reformation Trust Publishing (Ligonier Ministries), Sanford, Fl., 2015.

Being Content with Life’s Portion

“The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” (Psalms 16:5-6)

Recently I have been spending time with a couple who are preparing to be missionaries in Africa, for a least two years. As I observe them speaking to people about their work, I have many memories of my furloughs and talks over the years. One thing, in particular, stands out about missionary work—it has an intense focus on ministry with little attention to the nuances of life that otherwise take up so much time. Now that I am retired, shopping, staying in touch with people, and other ordinary activities take up a much higher percentage of my time. One life is not better than the other, but one leads to contentment more effectively.

When the Israelites arrived in Canaan under Joshua’s leadership, they were missionaries who work was to evict all the pagan nations from the land. When the fighting was over, however, the Levites did not settle into “normal” life but continued to serve the Lord with singular focus and did not receive any land for personal ownership. “The Lord said to Aaron, ‘You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel.’” (Numbers 18:20) “The Levites do not need an allocation of tribal land because their service in the presence of the Lord, and the tithe of the people of Israel, is their more-than-sufficient inheritance.” (1) Let’s consider what the Levites did not have. They had no share in Canaan, the Promised Land, no parcels of land on which to build an estate, as other tribes had, no fields to grow crops or vineyards for self-sustenance, and not spoil from Israel’s enemies. They were given cities, leased houses and fields devoted to the Lord, and work at or in service to the tabernacle. For the Levites, contentment was in work and their lack of possessions, which limited their worldly responsibilities. We often forget that contentment is most easily achieved by having less, not more possessions and worldly entrapments, and increased even more by satisfying service to others and God.

Psalm 16 draws on the Levite’s experience to help us find contentment with our “portion” in this life. We usually think of a portion of food rather than land; we surely don’t think of God as our ration. The poetry may be a little difficult at first, but stepping back from the language makes it easier to understand David’s meaning. God has given him all that he has in this life, including his vocation and leadership. God holds in his hand all of David’s circumstances, has blessed him with pleasantness, and has given David an eternal inheritance as God’s chosen one. Everything that is of value to David is from the Lord and is beneficial and beautiful. David is content, knowing that God is his greatest possession. In the words of Matthew Henry, “Heaven is an inheritance; we must take that for our home, our rest, our everlasting good, and look upon this world to be no more ours, than the country through which is our road to our Father’s house.” (2)

In Psalm 73 David wrote, “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward, you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (vs. 23-26). We’re not all called to live like missionaries or Levites, but most of us would be content with less of something. And, as believers, Christ is our most valuable possession. Do our lifestyles reflect these truths?

(1) ESV Bible Study Notes, Numbers 18:20 note, (digital edition), Crossway, 2008.

(2) Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Psalm 16:5-6, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/

Finding Enjoyment in God’s Gifts

“I perceived that there is nothing better for [men] than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man…Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; 5:18-20)

When I think about the things that bring give me pleasure and enjoyment, I think first of people I like to spend time with and the things we do together. I also think of a leisurely walk on a mild, Fall day—blue sky, a temperature in the 70s, with a gentle breeze blowing. I think of work that I love to do, babies, flowers, good food, puppies, beautiful music, and excellent movies. It’s a relief for me, and possibly for you, to know that Solomon wasn’t all doom and gloom in his book of wisdom. We’re safe with our interpretation of this theme in Ecclesiastes as long as we remember that it is directly linked to life “under the sun,” that is, on earth. Food, drink, work, and all the other innocent pleasures of this world are to be enjoyed in moderation, but not expected to satisfy our soul’s longing for fellowship with God with its deep, fulfilling, eternal contentment. In verse 12 above, Solomon states that being joyful is the best thing in this world, linked to doing good. Joy and good works (only possible as the fruit of God’s grace) are to last our entire lives—we don’t retire from these principles. Of course, gladness and our best work are that which is a result of the Holy Spirit’s work in us after regeneration. King Solomon encourages us to enjoy God’s gifts of work, food, and drink—the most basic blessings of this life.

But that which is right in moderation can become our snare in excess. “Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth…which include…all his goods and possessions, movable and immovable, as gold, silver, cattle, fields, and farms; which are all the gift of God…[but] not be a slave to them, as many are: but to have so much command of them and of himself…this is the gift of God; to have such power over his substance, and not be a slave to it, and to enjoy the fruits of his labor, in a cheerful and comfortable manner; this is as much the gift of God as riches themselves.” * (1) When I was a teenager I remember deciding that I was going to enjoy my work when I grew up, because my father never enjoyed his, and my mother was also pretty miserable. So I always found work to do that was pleasant. However, there were times when I worked too much and became a slave to my work, as we sometimes do with food, drink, materialism, and so many other “good” things of this world. Allowing ourselves to become enslaved by gluttony or greed is directly opposed to enjoying God’s gifts as a means of blessing and contentment. “The manner in which Solomon refers to God as the Giver, both of life and its enjoyments, shows they ought to be received and to be used, consistently with his will, and to his glory.” (2)

Is there something that is enslaving you, something God means for good, but preventing you from having joy? How will moderation help you to find pleasure in God’s gifts? Will you receive his presents with modesty, humility, and temperance, knowing that your soul’s contentment lies not in the gifts, but in the Giver?

(1) John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/ecclesiastes-5.html

(2) Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Ecclesiastes 5, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/

 

Contentment with God’s Sovereignty

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

“Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?” (Lamentations 3:37-38)

Sometimes when I start writing these blog posts, I feel like I am trying to teach my grandmother to suck eggs. As I considered how to start this particular blog, I felt like using an idiom, but couldn’t find the “right” one. Instead, I am using a new one for me. I think it means trying to teach something new to you to someone more experienced (like your grandmother), who already knows how to do what you’re just learning to do. I am new to writing, and I am especially new to writing short devotions. I am also a “big picture” person, wanting to see the principles, over-arching themes, and broad lessons when I study. How can I focus on one or two verses, when there is such a large canon of Scripture? I would like to think that I know what I am doing, but my writing is an example of Proverbs 16:9. No matter how well I think I may plan what I write, God is (thankfully) in charge.

We all like to think we know what we are doing, and can make good plans, but we cannot because of our sinful hearts and subjective experiences, assumptions, and biases. Only God can establish our steps to be good, productive and efficient. Having come to faith in Christ, we realize that God’s control over events, circumstances, and our spiritual growth is a relief, not competition for who’s in control. In Matthew Chapter 6, as Jesus began his teaching ministry, he explained that God cares for the birds, lilies, and grass—and how much more he cares for us (Matthew 6:25-34). Later, he extended his teaching to say, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” (Matthew 10:29) God is the first cause of everything that occurs here and everywhere, which can and should be a tremendous comfort for those who belong to him. Nothing can stop or thwart God’s purposes from complete fulfillment, including the plans of evil, unbelieving, or prideful people. Joseph’s brothers wanted to get rid of Joseph, but God had a great plan for him in Egypt (Genesis 50:19-20).

When we worship together today, we do so because of the sovereignty of God who has commanded his people to come together as one body to honor him. (See 1 Corinthians 14:26; Hebrews 10:254-25.) We worship the only Creator and Savior, who alone has the plan of salvation for believers and alone will determine the when the fullness of time will arrive. In the meantime, we are called to recognize, appreciate, and enjoy God’s sovereign rule over life here. No matter what we see on CNN or BBC, God is in control and will not be hindered. So it doesn’t matter what we think about who is telling the truth or who “wins” in political battles—God always wins, for himself—and we profit. “If [our] inward impressions do not answer to outward expressions, we mock God, and deceive ourselves.” *

Do you believe God is sovereign? Do your friends, co-workers, and neighbors understand that you know God to be the supreme, self-determining Ruler of the universe, based on your reactions and opinions? As you worship today in church will you also pray for the Lord to help you match your life choices, values, and words to your theology? Will you pray that God will sovereignly use His Word during worship today to remind you of his rulership? “Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!” (Psalm 65:4)

* Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, Lamentations 3:37-38, https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise

 

 

Godliness leads to Contentment

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.” (Proverbs 19:23)

“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8)

Are you content right now, or do you wish you had different plans for the day? Are you glad that you spent your time yesterday as you did? Contentment is quite an accomplishment, given all the things on our “to do” lists and verbal harangues we inflict upon ourselves about what we ought to be doing. Life sometimes seems so complicated and demanding that we escape with TV, Netflix, Hulu, sports, books, shopping, partying, or eating because it’s all just too much. And that’s the problem…we want too much when less is better.

In “The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe,” the three children are trying to recuse their brother when they learn about the King of Narnia, Aslan, who is the only one who can help them. They were quite surprised to learn that the king wasn’t a man. “‘Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion.’ ‘Ooh’ said Susan. ‘I’d thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion’…‘Safe?’ said Mr. Beaver…‘Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King.’” (1) We want life to be safe, but we make it dangerous for ourselves when we crave possessions and the values of this world. We want God to be safe, and although it doesn’t feel that way to us, he is safe in that he will never cause us eternal harm. We do that to ourselves or let Satan have his way with us. The trials that Christians experience when not of their own doing, come from our perfect Savior. “All [a man’s] afflictions, his worst things, his evil ones: work together for his good; and they shall never separate from the love of God.” (2) (Romans 8:28) Having an eternal gospel perspective on life, with the fear of God, is the only way to be soul-satisfied.

“An eternal perspective helps believers to avoid the allure of greed, with the result that they are content with what God has given them, even if it consists of only food and clothing.” (3) In his commentary on 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Matthew Henry comments that nature is content with the barest of possessions, so we who have grace should be content with even less. (4)

In her book, The Envy of Eve, Melissa Kruger writes: “C. S. Lewis states the following, ‘Aim for heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim for earth and you get neither.’ How have you seen this principle work out in your own life? What does it look like to fully engage and live in this present world, while putting your hope in the next?” (5)

(1) Lewis, C. S. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” HarperCollins, 2008

(2) John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible, Proverbs 19:23,       https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/proverbs-19.html

(3) ESV Study Bible Notes, 1 Timothy 6:7 note, (digital edition), Crossway, 2008.

(4) Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, 1 Timothy 6:6,   https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-concise/

(5) Kruger, Melissa, “The Envy of Eve,” Chapter 2 Questions, Christian Focus Publications,         Fearn, Scotland, 2012.

Finding Contentment in Moderation

“If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.” (Proverbs 25:16)

We live in a time of extremes, with extreme sports topping the list, including volcano boarding, bungee jumping, zorbing, ice-climbing, xpogo, and zip-lining, to name a few. (1) We love extreme love stories, medical miracles on TV shows, house make-overs, and “xtreme” gardening. A few of us engage in these radical activities while the rest of us enjoy them vicariously. On a recent phone call with one of my siblings, who is very close in age, I had nothing new to report about my life—nothing new that I had done or tried. Of course, there is much going on in my life, but it is happening within non-newsworthy Bible studies, ministry, writing and confidential relationships. Granted, some of the mundane aspects of my life are due to my age, and not having any children or grandchildren of my own. But it should be no surprise to a Christian that a full, contented life is best lived without the drama expected by the world.

The Bible does not forbid enjoying extreme sports or other pleasures of this life, which is oneof the major themes of Ecclesiastes. “Everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.” (Ecclesiastes 3:13; see also 2:24; 5:19; 8:15) But we are not to put our hope in things “under the sun” for lasting satisfaction, since worldly pleasures are transitory, expressed as “vanity” by Solomon. In addition to the above verses, Solomon wrote, “My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.” (Proverbs 24:13) John Gill took Solomon’s meaning to be “the getting of wisdom and knowledge, which, like honey, is sweet and desirable, and excellent, and nourishing, [when] moderately used.” (2) Material possessions are not the only achievements or possessions of this life that may be the objects that we desire. Intangibles such as approval, success, romance, beauty, recognition, and even human wisdom can become objects of coveting and idolatry. However, sincere, faithful humility is one possession that will lead to godly contentment.

Solomon’sreasoning sometimes makes us shake our heads in wonder, but his wisdom is consistent with the rest of Scripture. For example, in Ecclesiastes 7:19 he wrote, “Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city,” but in 1:18 he scribed, “In much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” Solomon never discouraged his readers from seeking wisdom to live in this world. “There is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness.” (2:13) Perhaps he meant what Gill says, that we “should take care to keep within due bounds, and not seek to be too wise; or to exercise themselves in things too high for them, and aim at that which is above their capacity.” (3) Job, another godly, wise man said, “ I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” (Job 42:3) Like honey, too much confidence in his wisdom made Job queasy when God rebuked him.

We often get into trouble when we bite off more than we can chew. What in this life do youseek or consume too much, more than is good for you? How can you practice more moderation, and, as a result, experience more satisfaction with less?

(1) https://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/20-unmissable-extreme-sports-and-where-to-try-them/40625c8c-8a11-5710-a052-1479d277bd61or https://www.extremesportslab.com/list-of-100-extreme-sports/

(2) John Gill’s Exposition on the Whole Bible, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/proverbs-25.html

(3) Ibid.

Humility Leads to Contentment

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

I’ve lived in different countries and whenever I moved, one of my goals was to learn my way around the capital city closest to where I lived. Accra, Ghana, West Africa was my greatest challenge. My problem was thinking that I knew where I was and being completely wrong. Every turn off one road led me in another part of the city where I was lost. Fortunately, a friend was riding with me one day and told me that the road I thought I was on was not the road we were traveling. But I had been so sure; I was so conceited!

In Philippians 1:3, Paul explicitly states that we are to be humble, not selfishly ambitious or conceited. I was humbled when I realized how self-assured I was about something completely erroneous. My conceit prevented me from realizing my mistake earlier, causing me to be lost in the same way repeatedly, which was very aggravating. But being selfishly determined and smug isn’t just a problem when we’re wrong. When we are prideful and self-centered, we miss what is happening all around us, like I missed all the landmarks in Accra.

In Philippians, Paul composed a glorious hymn of Christ’s humility: “…who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8) Paul meditated on our Savior’s meekness to the point of being utterly concerned with God’s glory and the church’s dedication to God. Paul was humbled and therefore content to be in whatever circumstance would be most useful to Jesus.

Paul’s contentment was not stoic, self-sufficiency that cuts off emotion and the influence of the world, as if to steel oneself by withdrawal. “Paul’s contentment was utterly reliant not on himself and his ability to suppress emotions, but on Christ, who held Paul fast and sustained him in all circumstances.” * Paul’s sufficiency was based on God’s all-sufficiency, rather than on his knowledge, feelings, or experience. When Paul wrote, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” he was referring to the work he was called to do in the church (See Philippians 1:9-11). We should not take this verse (or any other) out of context to mean that we can do anything we desire through Jesus Christ as if he serves us.  This would truly be conceited and selfishly ambitious. Our greatest contentment is based on God’s sovereignty and goodness. “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Are you content in your circumstances? If not, how might you surrender more to Christ with humility? What is your contentment based on—your ideas of what is good or on God’s sovereignty over your circumstances and life? Perhaps more time meditating on Christ’s humility will help.

* The Reformation Study Bible, Note on Philippians 4:11, Reformation Trust Publishing (Ligonier Ministries), Sanford, Fl., 2015.

Putting on Christian Love that Leads to Harmony

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.” (Colossians 3:12-15)

Every day we get dressed with thinking about the clothing that is appropriate for our activities. But for some with afflictions or disabilities, getting dressed is not just about what to put on, but how to put it on. Over the last few days, I have had a pulled muscle in my back, so I am slow and cautious when moving my body in particular ways. The pain makes me aware that putting something on is not always easy. And so it is with the Christian life—it’s pretty challenging to put on the new character that God has given us, his chosen ones. Some Christians may debate, saying that God has already given us Christ’s robe of righteousness, making us new creatures in Christ. I agree, but the passages above are not addressed to our salvation and justification, but to our sanctification. As we live out the eternal life given to us, our sin nature conflicts with our new, godly character, causing tension and strain. It’s hard to move quickly when the body is experiencing strain, which I remember every time I try to bend to the right today.

It’s illogical to assume that living the Christian life is easy, since there are so many admonitions in Scripture about keeping the faith, pressing on, and now, “putting on” the character of Christ. Only someone who believes the Bible is less than authoritative would disagree. Other Christians say that believing Scripture is everything. However, it takes more than agreement with God’s Word to change our character—it takes application and demonstration of its authority over our minds, hearts, and behavior. So we “put on” the character of Christ, as we put on our clothing, thinking about what it is and why we are wearing it. The “why” is answered by Paul—being “God’s chosen ones” and “called” (vs. 12, 15).

What we put on is of great importance, since “In the practice of love, forgiveness, and graciousness, the Christian community is to be a showcase of the reconciliation Christ has brought to the universe…and to individual sinners.”* Understanding we are a body of believers being sanctified together is crucial to appreciate the need for us to have humility, kindness, meekness, patience emanating from compassionate hearts and love for each other. This is active work that unites us, as we are united to Christ, with his peace in our hearts that should rule our character (v. 15). The love of Christ leads to perfect harmony within the body, according to God’s perspective, not ours. We don’t consider offenses, insults, and sins good in any way, but God uses them as opportunities for forgiveness, to reconcile with each other, leading to peace within the body. Colossians 3:13 calls us to forgive each other as God has forgiven us because we hurt each other, either intentionally or unintentionally. Peter reminds us of the need for forgiveness: “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9)

Do you have the peace of Christ ruling in you? If so, who do you need to forgive, even if they are not asking for your forgiveness? Do you need to ask someone for forgiveness? What do you need to “put on” for greater harmony in the body?

* The Reformation Study Bible, Note on Colossians 3:15, Reformation Trust Publishing (Ligonier Ministries), Sanford, Fl., 2015.

Walking in a Worthy Manner

“I…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)

Almost every day I spend time on a treadmill for exercise, but I don’t personally think of it as walking, because I don’t go anywhere. I end up in the same spot where I started. However, if you or I go for a walk, we expect to travel; even if we do end up where we started, we have moved forward in the process. There are plenty of times when the Bible speaks of people physically walking from one place to another. However, there are just as many places in Scripture where “walking” refers to the way people were living or obeying God. For example, In Exodus 16:4, “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.’” Will God’s people obey his command to gather manna each day or not? In Ephesians 4, Paul uses the term in the same way, urging believers in Ephesus to live as followers of Jesus Christ, according to his teaching, God’s commands, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Ephesian Christians were to start living for Jesus when called to faith in Christ and continue living for him, without stopping.

Being called to believe in Jesus Christ is an honor that deserves the utmost thanksgiving and appreciation. Paul describes it as “the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:18-20) Here is Paul, a prisoner in Rome, who values his calling more than his very life, having given up his freedom for his faith in Jesus Christ. Surely he wants his brothers and sisters in faith to understand that Christ sacrificed his life for them to an even greater extent than Paul. They and we should follow in Christ’s footsteps, by his grace and power, to live a life that is worthy of his sacrifice.

Paul is specific about the way to walk as Jesus desires—with humility, gentleness, patience, and love—fruits of the Spirit of God. We are to be long-suffering to keep the unity that the Holy Spirit has already given us as a body. We are not responsible for creating this bond; God does so when we are adopted into his family. But it takes diligence and a dedicated commitment to maintain harmony when the world, our sin, and Satan all conspire to pit us against each other. Paul has experienced conflict as much as anyone. He told the elders in Ephesus, “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:18-21)

Once again, Paul sets an example for us of the way to walk with Jesus—with humble peacefulness, patience, gentleness, and enduring love. Which of these attributes is your strength? Your weakness? How can you more effectively maintain the unity of the Spirit with your Christian brothers and sisters?

Faith Humbles Us

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (Romans 12:3)

Have you ever watched the “Great British Baking Show” on Netflix? I enjoy the show even though I don’t know why I like it so much, since I don’t bake. There are three challenges every episode, two of which the bakers can prepare for at home. However, the middle, technical challenge usually involves making something the bakers have never made before, and sometimes have never seen. I would be hard-pressed to make something without an example or illustration. The judges, Paul and Mary, show and taste a sample of the item to the television audience, so we can have a few chuckles along the way, watching the work of the bakers as they try to imagine how their finished dessert or bread should look. They are usually quite good—and much better than mine would be.

Sometimes we have a hard time imagining how the Christian life should look. But the Apostle Paul is an expert at modeling correct biblical theology and applications while explaining it to us. In Romans 12:3, Paul says, “for the grace given to me,” as an example of humility that he is describing in the verse. “Paul reminds them of the authority which had been given to him, so that they might not otherwise attend to his voice than if it was the voice of God himself; for his words are the same, as though he had said, ‘I speak not of myself; but, as God’s ambassador, I bring to you the commands which he has entrusted to me’…By ‘grace’ he means the Apostleship, with respect to which he exalts God’s kindness, and at the same time intimates, that he had not crept in through his own presumption, but, that he was chosen by the calling of God.” (1) Paul recognizes that only by God’s grace could he be an apostle, writing as he does.

As Paul is humble about his calling, we should also be about the gifts or talents God has given us. Our thoughts of ourselves should be moderate, not higher than we have a right to think. Scripture refers to us as saints and sinners, and we are both—sinners because we are born such (and continue to live as such) – but saints only because of God’s mercy and grace. God gives us faith to believe in Jesus Christ at regeneration, so our saving faith is also a gift from God.

However, saving faith is not the kind of faith Paul is referring to in Romans 12:3, according to the Reformation Study Bible. “The faith given to us [is] to utilize the gifts given to us for the good of the body.” (2) Calvin states, “And further, by setting up faith in opposition to human judgment, he restrains us from our own opinions, and at the same time specifies the due measure of it, that is, when the faithful humbly keep themselves within the limits allotted to them.” (3) Our gifts are given to us by God, as is the faith to use them for the good of the body, not according to our ideas or lofty visions.

Humility is not just deferring praise. True meekness evidences itself in every area of our lives—in our self-image, our service, our reactions to events, and even in our interpretation of Scripture. In what area should your thoughts of yourself be more restrained?

(1) Calvin, John, Calvin’s Complete Commentary on the Bible, Romans 12:3, https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cal/romans-12.html

(2) The Reformation Study Bible, Note on Romans 12:3, Reformation Trust Publishing (Ligonier Ministries), Sanford, Fl., 2015.

(3) Calvin, John, Ibid.