Living a Life Worthy

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As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:1-2 (NIV)

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In recent times, I have been at the heart of a storm of circumstances. Unfortunately, they have been far from easy and at times, it has been hard to see the light in the world around. The darkness can be all-consuming. Draining every ounce of happiness, joy, and love. It can be easy to start to see only the worst the world has to offer, to see only the death and destruction. It can be easy to start to not care. To not be present and to start not 'turning up' to life. By that I mean not living a life of substance, just doing what has to be done and not adding anything positive. Reacting to the world around you but doing nothing to get out ahead of the storm, to add to the journey we call life. But you see, in the dark times it is important to know that there is light in this world. There are those who care for you, who love you. Friends, family and loved-ones who are there to support you and help you get through. There are plenty of moments of joy, happiness and love that can be shared around.

You see, God didn't call us to just live. He calls us to 'live a life worthy'. Not just absently wandering the world until the next, but rather playing an active part in the journey. The journey He has crafted. Showing up and doing. Reacting to the world but also expectantly preparing for the way - learning, growing, giving; living an authentic life of love.

I wish that the situations going on in my life weren't happening and I would love for it all to be just a dream but the reality is that it isn't. You see, by giving my life to God it doesn't mean that the way will be easy. Actually, its harder. But we are working towards a reward that is not of this world, this makes it worth it. Trust me when I say that it would be easier to follow the crowd but it takes courage and His strength to stand up and be counted. "How?" you might ask. Ephesians tells us how to live this life - always be humble and kind, show patience and above all, love. You see, we all have a finite amount of time on this earth. What we choose to do with that time is up to us. But know this, when the time comes and your life on earth is over, will you be able to say "Yes. I lived a life worthy." This is not some self-righteous statement or something for your ego, but rather an acknowledgement that in all things, you endeavoured to be more like Christ. You lived a life of patience, of humility, of kindness - a life of authentic love.

The season I am in is one of grief and loss, but instead of turning away from Christ, as I have in the past, I turn towards Him as the One who holds it all. He is my strength and comfort. So, I take this time to commit my life anew to the plans He has for my life. Will you give Him the pleasure of working through your life?

Yesterday I was lost.

Today I am found.

No matter where I go,

You are always around.

From the heights of the mountains,

To the depths of the seas.

You are always there beside me,

Wherever I am, Lord,

You will always find me.

(Joshua Barker, 2020)