OCTOBER 7, 2014
Fly
The Flag
Read: Ephesians
5:1-13
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. —Ephesians 5:1
Queen Elizabeth II has
reigned over the British Empire for more than 60 years. Her monarchy has been
characterized by grace and class. She has diligently given her life to serve
her people well, and as a result she is deeply loved and highly revered. So,
you can understand the importance of the flag flying above Buckingham Palace.
When the flag is flying, it means that she is in residence in the heart of
London. The flag is a public statement that the queen is present with her
people.
As I was thinking
about that, it occurred to me that our King Jesus is in residence in our hearts
as our “never leave you nor forsake you” Monarch (Heb. 13:5). As wonderful as
that is to us personally, I wonder if those around us would recognize that He
is in residence based on the way we live? If He is within us, that will show on
the outside. As Paul says, we are to be “imitators of God” and to “walk in
love, as Christ also has loved us” (Eph. 5:1-2). As we do so, we will display
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and
self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
So let’s fly the flag
of His presence—the flag of His grace, righteousness, and love—so that others
may see Him through us.
Lord, remind me that
Your presence in my heart
is intended to be a
public reality. May I so value
all the blessings of
Your presence that I am
willing to share them
generously with others.
Fly the flag of
Christ’s presence to show that the King is in residence in your life.
Insight
The church at Ephesus
faced strong challenges to their faith, unity, and lifestyle. In his letter to
them, Paul clearly stated what their response should be in verse 2 of today’s
text. They were to imitate the heart of self-sacrificial love that Christ Jesus
displayed on the cross.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
