Simple things that matter ...

Ephesians chapter 6 is known for SPIRITUAL WARFARE because of the ARMOUR OF GOD passage (vs.10-20). But early this week, I saw something which might hold a key for my life in my call to bear Christ’s name in this world.
The fact that Paul starts off in vs.10 by saying, “Finally, be strong in the Lord …”, means he has given some instructions already, prior to this. And looking at the earlier verses, we see that he talked about being subject to authorities; respecting one another; living in the light & walking in unity.

I would like to think, that if I do the above and wear the armour, then I am ok.
It would have been, if vs.19 & 20 wasn’t there!

But the problem is Paul adds this bit about soliciting prayers for himself.
And 2 things which come to my mind are:
a) Knowing my call, &
b) Inter-dependency

Paul knew, deep in his heart of hearts, that God had called him to declare the mystery of the gospel, especially to the Gentiles. And by the time he wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus, he had accomplished quite a lot; and now he is imprisoned for his action.
And secondly, a person who has accomplished as much as Paul did – what makes him dependent on new believers?

Surely, a man of his stature doesn’t need anyone’s help. After all, he is self-supported and he has a good understanding of the Lord and the Scriptures (let alone, him writing most of it - though he didn’t know about it then); and not the least, he knows what it means to wear the full armour of God to engage in warfare.

These calls for a serious scrutiny of ‘who we are’ and to check ‘where we stand’ in our walk with the Lord:

- Are we in a place where we think we are ok, if we act alone – just because of the sheer knowledge we possess and the experience we have gone through?
- Are we giving up on our call because of some difficult situations, which might have imprisoned us – even if it is for life?

* Let’s take confidence in the fact that God has not called us to fight this battle alone. We need one another and God has placed us with one another.
* Let’s not stamp on each other to get to the front or to the top (as many are in the habit of doing) – it was never intended to be that way!

Let’s do the basic things right – as that’s what matters!