Participant or Spectator?

~~~ Ephesians 4:1-6 ~~~ Psalm 24 ~~~ Luke 12:54-59 ~~~

....striving to preserve the unity of the spirit....

What exactly is the unity of the spirit?
The spirit has given us gifts and fruit. Each one for the sole purpose
 of setting us apart as chosen by God.
We can either participate in what the Spirit gives us
 or we can choose to go our own way.
If we choose to participate by accepting
all that the Spirit has to offer
then we are also choosing, by default,
to preserve the unity of the spirit.

In unity with the spirit we are also accepting
our part in the One Body and the One Spirit.

There is only one God and he has claimed us for his own.

 Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

How could we long to see the face of the Lord
 if we cannot live in a manner worthy of our call?

Even though it is a daily challenge
 we are called to function within the graces
 of humility, gentleness, patience, and love.

If we let those become our guide posts
we just might have a better chance
 of making good life decisions.

Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?

These words from Jesus might make you feel uncomfortable,
but it is true we so often look to others to make our decisions for us.

If we strive to live with the above mentioned guide posts
we should have confidence in our ability to judge rightly.

All we need do is remember Jesus walks beside us.
Before you make a decision ask yourself one question...
Does this help me...
...live in a manner worthy of the call... 

If you can honestly answer 'yes' then go for it.
But if you are in doubt step back, examine your personal motivation.
Do you want to be a participant or a spectator?

Preserving the unity of the spirit
can be summed up in one four letter word...love.

Today we are reminded that if our actions reflect
our call to participate and preserve the unity of the spirit
then we will be Blessed in so many ways.

~~~Peace~~~