Moodiness....
Enough said.
If those who know the truth shall be set free(John 8:23). Then those who do not know the truth don't stand a chance. It strikes me that Jesus didn't say if you have heard the truth you are already free. But that the truth shall set us free eventually. And by the truth, he was talking about himself.
He was saying... when you know me. I will set you free.(John 14:6)
The Irony is that Paul was a free man in Christ, who was in prison for the sake of the Lord(v1). And he was urging the Ephesians and us too to live a life worthy of the calling we have in Jesus. By being completely humble and gentle, patient out of love for one another. All of this to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.
Paul laid down the foundation of good Christian community here. But so often, I am not worthy of the calling I have in Christ. So often we all fail and fall and don't wanna be a part of Christian community. We don't want to share in our small bible study groups or talk with our Christian friends, we don't want to go to church, or stick around to talk after. We don't want to meet up or be accountable. We shy away from our brothers and sisters in Christ.
But there is one body, one Spirit, and we have been called to one hope. Through our faith in the one God who is over, works through and is in all of the members of His body. So why is it that we struggle or shy away. Why is it that more and more people are gaining faith in God but losing confidence in his people?
Paul doesn't stop there either, he says that when Christ ascended he gave gifts and portions of grace to us his children, and to apostles, teachers, prophets evangelists and pastors equipping them, to equip us for works of service. Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.(v13)
In short... the church isn't perfect. But t's getting there. The same way Christ is working on and in us he's working on and in everyone. But our focus is Him and learning to serve the body of Christ 'aka' each other.
Paul says when this happens we as individuals will not be tossed back and forth and blown here and there by deceitful teaching and scheming that may make it all seem so confusing or 'kill it' for us. But rather our love for one another will speak, and we will speak the truth we hold dear, the truth of Christ on the cross crucified. We shall know the truth. And the truth shall set us free, as individuals and as His body.
We will grow and in every respect become like Christ, each one of us will do our part and support one another. As one we will grow and as one each of us will do the works of service we are supposed to. The church is not perfect, but he's working on it one son and one daughter at a time.
What do I take from this?
Let him work on me. Remember he is working on them. When it seems like there is something wrong search my own heart, and ask God to fill my heart with His love, that I could speak the truth, the truth that brings freedom.
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