Why Am I A Basket Case? Debbie Taylor Williams
WE ARE FAMILY
“…our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. …and also with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you of the situation here.“
I grew up in a loving family. My mama had three sisters and one brother and their families lived only a few blocks from our house. We were together for every birthday, holiday, and in between for watermelon on hot summer days or hot chocolate on cold ones. “Yoohoo!” alerted us that someone was walking in the unlocked front or back door. “Come on in,” was followed with hugs and greetings. As we continue to discuss who we are in Christ, it’s important that we remember that the Bible identifies believers as family. God, our Heavenly Father, has adopted us. Christ is our brother. You are my sister and brother. What does this mean? A world of things. We are to treat each other kindly. We can be open with one another. We are to take interest in each other’s lives. We are to help each other. You may not have had a good family experience growing up or even now. But, in Christ, you have the opportunity to learn what it means to be family; to be brothers and sisters in Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me into Your heavenly family. Thank You for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me treat them with love, kindness, and respect. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
I AM to BE WISE & GRACIOUS
“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.“
Do you ever do anything you’re ashamed of? Are you ever careless with your words? Or, to take it a step further, have you ever intentionally chosen words that were critical or unkind? Do you sometimes miss rather than make the most of opportunities to share Christ? I’m guilty on all accounts. If you join me in acknowledging that your actions are not always wise, that you don’t always make the most of opportunities to speak to non-Christians about Jesus, and that your speech isn’t always gracious; then consider these verses again. Reflect on them. Then, if convicted that Christ wants us to reflect Him through our conduct and words, repent. It’s never too late for us to start doing the right thing.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for my behavior and words that are unwise and ungracious. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit today so my conduct is wise and my words graciously reflect you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
