Umbrella

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Ephesians 4 (click the link)


REFLECTIONS:
Paul knows how to write a strong letter, doesn’t he? His opening and closing statements in chapter 4 really get my attention! “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” We were meant to function together under the covering of the Spirit. What does the Spirit do? The Spirit’s whole purpose is to talk about Jesus (John 15:26) so we actually brag on Jesus when we stick together!  Why should we try so hard to keep unity? Well, if we’re really honest, sometimes unity doesn’t come easy and good feelings fail. That’s when it’s important to remember the best motivation to press in, found in the King James Version of the very last phrase of Ephesians 4: “for Christ’s sake!”

Notice that we’re not told to create unity… Jesus did that for us; our instructions are to recognize it and keep it. Paul reminds us that the battle to establish that unity was hard fought when he says (referring to Psalm 68:18) that Jesus went from top to bottom of the whole Earth, defeating defeat on our behalf, then giving the spoils of the battle to us as gifts. And what were those gifts? Each other! At any given time, across the globe, everything necessary to move together (unity) toward being more and more like Jesus (maturity) is present within the people that make up the Body of Christ. 

A few years back, pop star Rihanna came out with a song called “Umbrella” that was a huge success. It’s a catchy little tune and I couldn’t help but think of it as I read Ephesians 4. Here’s a sample of the lyrics: 

When the sun shines
We'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath, gonna stick it out 'til the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella
Ella… ella… eh eh eh 

Ever tried to share an umbrella with someone? How’d that go? We don’t have a lot of experience with rain here in Texas but I’ve come up with a few principles for an optimal umbrella sharing experience: 

1. You have to let the other person inside your comfort zone.
2. There are no superstars in a good umbrella sharing experience. It takes cooperation.
3. You have to be willing to agree on a common pace and shared direction.
4. Similar height is a plus, but if that’s not possible, extra effort is required from the taller person to care for the shorter.
5. No impulsive twists or turns!
6. Gratitude is a given when you reach your destination.

I’d like to suggest that our umbrella sharing principles would also help us to keep that elusive unity of the Spirit. Am I willing to let another person inside my comfort zone? Am I teachable? Am I willing to change my pace or direction to keep unity? Am I willing to carry along, or be carried by, those who are in a different place of maturity? Am I steady, or am I prone to chasing after my own individuality, even if it damages unity? Do I recognize holy moments of unity with gratitude? 

PRAYER:

(I’ll paraphrase The Message paraphrase of Ephesians 4:14-16)

I will take my lead from You Jesus. You alone are the originator of anything worthwhile I do. You keep me in step with my brothers and sisters for Your own name’s sake so I’m bragging on You! Even the very breath and blood that flow through me are gifts from You, so that I will grow up healthy, in full-on, robust, Jesus kind of love.

WHO AM I?

I’m Leigh Anne Bland. This is me about 3 years ago, sledding in Kansas City. Nothing special, I’m just reminding myself that cool weather does exist.