Time to Get Schooled

Scripture: Ephesians 1:18 "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of your calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints."

Observation: Paul desires them to know two things as a result of verse 17: (1) the hope of God's calling, and (2) the actual and true riches that we have as the result of our new identity. Understanding these is crucial in Paul's mind. Repeatedly in the epistles he implores believers to grow in their understanding of Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit, exhorting that only through increase in wisdom and knowledge will they increase in godliness and live a victorious life.

Also, I need enlightening. That's a humbling thought... fact. Again, I have a need. Nothing new, nothing surprising. I don't hold within myself true understanding; it doesn't come naturally to me. I merely have been given the "boldness and access with confidence" (Ephesians 3) to ask for it. I must ever remember that I also hold the ability to deceive myself, and to open myself up to deception. If I have the Spirit of Christ living within me I also have a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 2:20) which I can access through a consistent relationship with God and through a steadfast pursuit of the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Application: I need to keep the important where the important belongs. I need to relinquish control and pursuit of this life to God.

Prayer: Father, please teach me to approach the things and people in this world in the right way. Honestly, they shouldn't have the same meaning to me. I often treat the people around me as tools and I love the things. It's suppose to be the other way around. I ask earnestly that you teach me to love those around me as you do. I want to see those in my life come to know you in the way that I do. And enlighten my eyes of understanding so that I can see and hear and know You and Your Son and Your Spirit and Your kingdom and will. I love you. Amen.