This semester, my i-Team has been going through the book of
Ephesians and it has been eye-opening in many ways. God has been surpassing my
knowledge (like blowing my mind, but back in Bible times so we're trying to
bring it back. Ephesians 3:19 for reference). This has been done
on a weekly basis, but something that has stuck out to me is Paul's use of the
word "prisoner" to describe himself time and time again. Not just in
this letter but in many others, like Philemon which I recently just completed.
The reason it does is because of what follows it, "of Christ." He
sees himself as a prisoner of Christ. It got me thinking. Do we view our lives
as this?
Let me explain what I mean. Paul was currently in prison
while writing most of these letters and so he was a prisoner. But it's for the
fact that he views himself as a prisoner for Christ, that though he's in prison
it is ultimately for Christ's purposes. His life is Christ's so if he is in
prison it is for him. This just surpasses my knowledge (Used it again...caught
on yet?) that even in that state and suffering he continued to serve in the way
he did, advance the kingdom of God and hold accountable those teaching around
the world.
Because of the recurring thought around this, I have been
reexamining my outlook on things. Am I viewing my present circumstances the way
I should be? That Christ has brought me here for a reason? Though I don't
believe I'm in a period of suffering at the moment, I should still be devoting
my life daily to Christ for what He has done for me and the grace given to me
undeservedly. We should, as Paul did, view our lives in whatever circumstances
for Christ and serve Him through it all, sharing the love and grace He has
given to us to those around that have not known this yet. Are you living as a
prisoner of Christ?
