Read Ephesians 1-6
Mercy. Faith. Grace. Redemption. Glory. We experience all of these through God's "power that worketh within us" (Ephesians 3:20). We access this power through our faith in Jesus Christ who lives in us. The message is simple yet profound. The truth is clear yet the world can cloud our view. Are you attuned to his power within you? How clear is your view? Can others see his light in you?
We live in a fallen world but are encouraged to strive for perfection. Jesus said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). We are imperfect sinners saved by grace and seeking to be perfect like him, and we are encouraged to let our light shine as a beacon to draw others to him as well. Paul wrote, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world…" (Philippians 2:13-15).
In the work that we do and the hardships that we face in this world, sometimes we can feel discouraged and burdened. Let's look up, recognize God's love for us, and find encouragement in his redeeming grace, his eternal power, his holy design for our lives lived for him. God's love is a sacrificial love. For us, he sacrificed his son, our savior who overcame this world, who lives, who hears us, who loves us unconditionally. With this power, we, too, can overcome this world. And with this power, we, too, can inspire those around us to find hope in a life lived for God by faith in his resurrected son.
Living your life for God, you are already a light to those around you. Stay focused on the mission. Like Paul, let's "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:11). In doing so, let's show grace and mercy to those around us as we are shown grace and mercy in our walk of faith. In building and sustaining quality relationships with those around us in our classrooms and communities, we can establish loving, welcoming environments that can, in turn, can help to prepare and soften hearts, readying them to receive God's Holy Spirit.
God's power is in you. How are you wielding it?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your son to save us and give us hope in overcoming this world. Thank you for your abiding love and power that is working in us. Please guide us to continue to serve you, to bring glory to you, and to shine your light as a beacon of your hope to our communities so they, too, can be inspired to seek and experience you. In the name of Jesus, we ask for these blessings. Amen.
