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Keep it Simple

Posted on 03.21.2012

For the past several weeks I have been digging into the book of Ephesians. In this book, the believer is told who she or he is in Christ. We can easily forget who we are and Who we belong to. I know I do. That is why I am learning to remind myself each day of who I am in Christ and that I belong to Him.

Today, as I was preparing a package to send to my college daughter, I decided to write her a note a to place in the package. I wanted to write her in a different style (you know, I like to “change things up” every-now-and-then, to keep life interesting and fun). In this little note, I started telling her what she does as a result of who she is in Christ. So, I have decided to do the same for all of you:

You lead, because you are a Leader.
You serve, because you are a Servant.
You encourage, because you are an Encourager.
You befriend, because you are a Friend.
You worship, because you are a Worshipper.
You give, because you are a Giver.
You conquer, because you are a Conqueror.

You bless, because you are Blessed.
You act with wisdom, because you are Wise.
You love, because you are Loved.
You honor, because you are Honored.
You forgive, because you are forgiven.

You have faith because you are Faithful.
You have hope, because you are Hopeful.
You have freedom, because you are Free.

All of these characteristics are how the believer is described throughout the Bible.

As simplistic as this seems, it is really quite profound, yet not too difficult to grasp. When we meet Christ, we are given a position and purpose in this world that no one can take away. We become part of God’s plan for the salvation of the world. That is why He imparted these, His spiritual blessings to us—it is the only way we can be empowered to do what He has called us to! The other great fact is that the work that we are called to do has already been prepared!  These spiritual blessings are a “given” in the Christian walk. In other words, they do not need to be earned. However, we too often forget—life is too busy and too urgent—for us to remember who we are. Oh, and if you don not have a clue as to what I am talking about, read Ephesians, chapters one through three.

In short, as I told my daughter, who is an artist,  “You paint and draw, because you are an artist. You lead, because you are a leader.”  You see, you cannot give what you do not have! How can you give mercy if you are not merciful? How can one proceed with patience if he or she is not patient?

What I am trying to get across is that Christ has given us those gifts, qualities and blessings that give full aid to our Christian walk and the practicality thereof.  The fruit of the Spirit (of Christ) is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22). How can we exhibit that “fruit” if not for Christ dwelling within us? He comes and makes His home in us when we accept Him as Lord and Savior. As we humble ourselves and choose to surrender to Him daily, this “fruit” becomes evident. We just need to accept who we are.

I have found that if I remind myself of the spiritual blessings given to me in Christ, I can be all that I am in him and walk daily with power.

So, just keep it simple, and just be.