R, T, P....
"Let your gentleness be evident to all." (Phil. 4:5). Paul follows up the command to rejoice in the Lord with this very specific direction. He is emphasizing the importance of us disciples walking in the fruit of peace. We are called to be a people of peace, steadiness, calm, and gentleness. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be solid and steady, through the storms of life, amongst the chaos of injustice, amid the bitterness of tragedy, and in the face of frustrations and struggles. When the world is turning inside out and upside down, we can stand on the Solid Rock of Jesus as our steady foundation. He warned us we would have tribulation on this planet, and anyone that has followed Jesus for any length of time will agree that He never said this would be easy. Instead, He equipped us with His Spirit and His Word to strengthen and encourage us to finish our race. He has given us armor to protect us in our journey. He has explained that we are going to need His power and strength to make it through this. In fact, He has given us everything we need in this life.
I'm not sure how unsaved people can handle this world anymore. It's quite a disturbing place. Things just aren't right here. It truly must be a hopeless feeling, to just be tossed back and forth like the waves of the ocean, riding the emotional roller coaster during each tumultuous event that follows the one previous. There's just seems to be no end to the world's dramas, calamities, and tragedies. How can one make it without the solidarity of Christ? This is where our faith comes in. Faith is proving what you believe. Faith is the action of how you live. It's how you think, act, and speak. It's the basis for your decisions and the foundation of your goals. Funny, the verse of the day is directly connected to the study today. "Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (Heb. 11:1). Faith is knowing what is real, even if unseen. I like to think about the wind when considering faith. Though invisible, it's nonetheless real. You can't see the wind, but you can see the effects of the wind. Peace is like that. People won't be able to see your salvation or your relationship with Jesus, but they will be able to see your peace. They will notice your gentle spirit. They will be astonished at your steadiness, especially in the face of chaos and turmoil or during pressures of unwarranted persecutions.
I've found that way down deep in most people, beneath a rough, calloused exterior, it seems they truly do innately desire peace in their life. As we head into the Christmas season, there is no greater season on our calendar that proves this point. If we could only keep that harmony and peace throughout the whole year! The only Way to have peace throughout every season in life is Jesus Christ. Otherwise, Christmas will only remain being about gift giving and social parties that come and go all too quickly.
May we men, as Firefighters for Christ, lead with the gentleness of the Holy Spirit and not be ashamed of His character. May we let go of the temptation to be accepted by the world by showing rough or crude behavior. May we live up instead! After all, are we living to please men or God? May we be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Don't sell out or compromise just to fit in. May our ego and esteem be solidly locked up in Jesus Christ alone. May we not be ashamed of His purity. Don't sell out. Don't turn back. Stick with God. He's faithful to stick with you. Let your gentleness be evident to all. God is peace. May others see Him in you.
