And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 ESV)
REFLECTION
I find that I am tested on everything I write and on everything I teach. Sometimes I do well and sometimes I don’t. And while I prayerfully aim to do well, as I truly want to please God and do what’s right (and a good result always feels good), I find that there is always choice and grace, whether I do or don’t do well. And sometimes I say and do everything I know to be right, but the words and actions of other people negatively impact me. But, even then, there is grace, choice and opportunity for personal growth and deeper relational connection. There are times when people and issues need to be confronted, but we can choose to prayerfully prepare ourselves to confront with kind courage and speak the truth, with love. We can clarify our position and even say a firm no in a loving, self-controlled way. And when regular reminders are needed, it’s an opportunity to practice patience with ourselves and others. To love is to forgive, but forgiveness doesn’t negate consequences. And with every choice comes consequences. But, while we sometimes need to learn the hard way, I find that even then, we can turn to our merciful Maker, and He will help us through and work it all for our good and His glory. Though the route without unnecessary pain is always preferable.
Words are powerful and can either build up or break down, as Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death…”
But deeds are as important, for… “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”(James 2:17 NIV) And we are urged in 1 John 3:18 (ERV) that “…our love should not be only words and talk. No, our love must be real. We must show our love by the things we do.”
Living this out may look different for everyone, be it in a classroom, at church, in meetings, at home or in our day-to-day interactions (online or in person). And even mishaps, mistakes and messy moments are opportunities to live it out, where we can choose to pause and pray (even a short, whisper prayer from the heart does wonders) before we respond or just carelessly lash out. And if the latter does happen, again there is grace and choice: we can choose to harden in pride or choose to humbly acknowledge wrongdoing, repent and prayerfully seek to truly transform. Only our Creator is perfect and we, His creations, are all in process. So, whether we find ourselves barely surviving, struggling or going from strength to strength, let’s stay humble, mindful that we can do nothing without our Maker, and that His grace is indeed sufficient in everything we experience, be it in word or deed.
PRAYER POEM: The Bright Morning Star (Revelation 22:16)
Lord Jesus Christ – The Bright Morning Star – thank You that we can always turn to You as we are. And as we confess and turn from our sin, You enter in and do what only You can do and walk us through, to become all that is true and, in turn, glorify You.
