I was reminded yesterday of how rich I am. Not because I live in the wealthiest country in the world, but because what I read in Ephesians. Paul wrote this book while in prison to encourage God’s people of their true state, not whatever struggle they find themselves in (even if in prison). Among other things, Paul reminds us:

1. You were once alienated from God, under His wrath, living in complete darkness. Now you are children of light, adopted into His family. How amazing is this to consider! Do we fully realize that without Christ dying on the cross, there would have been no hope for us (whether you are a Jew or Gentile)? It was through Christ that the door was open for already-screwed Gentiles and faithless Jews to be joined together to one another and to God as His family.
2. If we are now adopted in, not only are we part of God’s family, but we are the very body of Christ, himself being the head. Jesus takes care of his body, just as humans make sure to take care of ours. The riches and fullness of Christ are ours, because we are his body. Everything that is his, we partake of, because He offers it all to us. Incidentally, Paul encourages husbands to love their wives similarly–as their own body. After all, he states, the two become one flesh. Therefore, I am to understand that my wife is my body. We, along with Paul, should be blown away that this same truth applies to Jesus and his Church. We are His body, we are “one flesh” with Him, and He loves us in this manner.
3. If we are indeed becoming “one flesh” with Christ, we must put off anything that is of the old self, because it does not belong in Jesus’ body. We must also realize that Jesus loves His body enough to take care of it and rid himself of anything that is unhealthy or damaging to himself. We would be wise to go ahead and take care of these things now, rather than it festering to the point that Jesus has no other recourse but to cut out the cancer, because it has become a grave threat to himself.

If we fully recognize the status we now find ourselves in, I think we will be grateful, unhindered, and careful.

1. Astoundingly Grateful for being placed in such a privileged position with Christ. He has chosen ME as part of His bride? Why me? I don’t deserve it. I was once in darkness, lost in sin. He rescued me when I was in such a grave, helpless position. If it weren’t for Jesus, I would be a most pitied person. Words cannot describe what Christ has done for me. Either you get this and the implications are overwhelming, or you don’t.
2. Completely Unhindered by whatever I am currently facing or will face in this life. None of that compares with the great hope of being united with Christ forever. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians, our “light” afflictions don’t compare with the weight of glory that awaits us. No matter how severe things get in this life, in comparison to what awaits in eternity, these afflictions are merely “light.” Paul went through more as a believer in Christ than I ever will, and yet he sees those things as “light” afflictions?? That’s because he recognized the fullness and richness of what it means to be united with Christ as part of his body.
3. Exceedingly Careful to live as one united with Christ. Jesus loves us, because He loves His body. Jesus loves His body enough to take care of it and to rid it off any diseases, cancers, etc. Therefore, we are careful to live our lives worthy of our calling. We are rescued, and we must live up to the position we are now placed in following our rescue. This affects every area of how we live our lives–how we treat one another, etc. If you don’t want this kind of responsibility, that’s your choice. It isn’t your “right” to be part of His bride. It’s the most incredible privilege ever possible and it’s been offered to you. If you no longer want that privilege, because of the responsibilities that come along with it, leave. Otherwise, we must live up to our calling. If we refuse, we must remember that Jesus will take the matter into his own hands.

That’s my synopsis of the book of Ephesians and how we should look at the privilege of being a Christian. Are you truly grateful for being saved from sin for Christ’s very own? Are you unhindered by anything that might come your way in this life? Are you careful to live as one with Christ?

How wonderfully and fearfully awesome it is to be a Christian!