Morning Meditation

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

The world around us can often define and determine the world within us.  The people and places which we encounter and experience so often leaves a lasting and lingering impression upon our minds, hearts and souls.  But there are some moments we would prefer to not allow to live rent free in our hearts.  There are some words we would prefer to not leave well-worn ruts in my mental file cabinet.  This pandemic has caused a shift in the ways we structure our lives.  Masks, washing hands relentlessly, heighted awareness how close I am standing, and a low-grade anxiety that is ready in a moment’s notice sound like the robot in the tv show, Lost in Space, “Danger, Wes Bixby, danger!”

How does what is happening around effect what is happening within you?

I ask because Paul was in prison.  As a matter of fact, if you look at chapter three in Ephesians, you will see he begins that chapter with the same claim. Apparently, Paul’s physically location was important to keep in mind.  Yet, like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail; or Conversations with Myself by Nelson Mandela or the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer; like Pilgrim’s Progress or The Enormous Room by e.e. cummings, sometimes great ideas are born in the small cells.  Sometimes when we feel confounded and contained, our minds break free from the walls that close in around us. 

Likewise, Paul found himself where his freedom was restricted.  Yet, Paul processes the pain and can transform, transcend his surroundings.  To be sure, that is not easy.  I know I have struggled to not let the brokenness of the world cause me to pitch my tent permanently at the camp site of cynicism.  I know I have had to work hard noticing and naming my emotions.  I don’t think Paul’s point is just to grin and bear it or put on a happy face or fake it til you make it.  I think Paul is holding the both/and reality of life.  His body is in prison, but his soul doesn’t have to be.  He may not be able to go where he wants, but he is able to control how he responds to others.  Too often, we can get tripped up and trapped in thinking, “Why bother?”  Rather than realizing that what we do and say does make a difference.  Maybe it won’t solve the pandemic or persistent racism or ever be remembered by anyone.  But that isn’t the point.  Paul is suggesting that we live a certain way because the One who feeds and fuels our lives inspires/infuses us with these traits:  Humility, gentleness, patience, and love.  I encourage you today to spend a few moments with these words.

How might you embrace and embody these traits?  With whom can you share them easily?  What objections and obstacles does your mind say in response to such a suggestion?  For example, my mind might say, “Really, you can’t be serious with this list, especially with that person!”  Hold these words, pull them close, and let them speak to your life this day.

Prayer: Out of places where we feel confined and contained and closed off, O God, cause us to enter the sacred spacious way of Your grace.  Amen.