My friends Dale and Guy were in Las Vegas in 1998 at a youth pastor conference. We decided to watch a movie one afternoon called “Saving Private Ryan”. We walked out and did not say a word to each other for 3 hours. It hit us! The sacrificial example of WWII vets was epic. As Captain John Miller is dying he says to Private Ryan “earn this”! In essence, he is saying- live a life worthy of the sacrifice of the men who died rescuing him. You and I can never “earn” the life that is afforded to us by Jesus’ sacrificial life, death and resurrection. But, in some strange way we can live a life “worthy” by walking in love and unity.
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 3:1-6 NASB
How inwardly motivated am I to maintain unity with Christ and other believers? How do I reconcile the feelings of being unworthy while still knowing I am accepted by God?
God, as his day begins- I want to thank You for the blessing of my kids and grandcuties too. How wonderful it to be sought out by them before Maureen and I travel. I know I will miss them while also enjoying Switzerland. Heavy on my heart is my friend Ubong. Would You, O Lord, be his encouragement and as we celebrate freedom as a nation, please move the hearts of those who have power to release him from detainment. I bless You God. Use my life as an example of one who walks worthy.
