Let Us Imitate Paul’s Way Of Life
Whenever we read the account of the apostle Paul, or the servant of Jesus Christ, as he addresses himself in all his epistles, he teaches us one very important word, that is “ENDURANCE”. He goes on enlightening the world that only endurance makes a believer stand or fall. So he shows us to be as strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might as he was himself. He wants us to live a victorious life by taking the whole armour of God that we may wage battle and be able to withstand all the trials of life.
He said, “Stand therefore, having put on your loins with truth, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the Gospel of peace, above all taking the shield of faith with which you can quench all flaming darts of evil thoughts and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph 6:14-17). Obviously the armour talked about is not the material worn by the Roman soldiers of the time, but a spiritual armour which has to do with the mind and the heart rather than the body. Paul endured much, one time in chains, five times he received forty lashes but one, three times he was beaten with rods, once he was stoned, three times he was shipwrecked. All these and others were more than enough to make any man depressed and slide back, but not for Paul, he went on saying that “For the sake of Christ I am content with weaknesses, insults, persecution and calamities”. So do not lose heart, though our nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed every day. What a marvellous courage! This is the endurance sustained by absolute confidence in God, being sure of His love and guidance, which we ought to follow without fail. Taking the armour at hand we are sure of defeating our enemy.
Truth will give us certainty and help keep our thoughts aware. Righteousness will give us confidence and free us from fear. Faith will encourage us in all disappointments and hardships of life. The Bible will supply us with everything we need to enter into the Kingdom about to be established here on earth. We all have to walk in the boots of Paul’s set model so that we eventually enjoy Life with our Lord Jesus and help him rule. What hinders us? Should it be hunger, hardship of life or temptation? Our Lord has promised that “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and all powerful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to bear it.” Let us then, with our confidence, draw near to the gates of grace that we may receive mercy.
Bro. James Mwangomo (Mbeya, Tanzania)
