Paul's Passionate Plea
"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God"
Can you hear the passion in this statement? Paul doesn't offer guilt or condemnation but rather a heartfelt plea to live to God's higher standard. Could it be that Paul wants this for his readers more than we want it for ourselves? He goes on asking that our behavior reflect humility, gentleness, and patience.
I like that Paul phrases this as a urgent request rather than a command in this passage. By doing so it comes across with so much love. I'm reminded of how I feel when I give instructions to my children. I absolutely believe that I desire bigger dreams for their lives than they could possibly comprehend. For example, my 4-year-old daughter had a meltdown in soccer because the coach sent her down the field, away from her teammates. She didn't understand that he was setting her up for a pass and a goal. If she could just understand that when the coach asks her to do something, he's setting her up for success. But she just doesn't trust.
Is it possible that God looks at me in much the same way? Do you, Lord, desire something greater for me? Am I having a meltdown because I don't trust in you? Help me, Lord, to live my life in a manner that brings you glory, a life worthy of the calling you've given me!
Created over 2 years ago
