A Prayer for Consistency of Character
By Meg Bucher
“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” - Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Ever catch yourself acting differently around one person than another? Some people share our passion for Jesus, but do we talk about Him with as much gusto around those who may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar with Him? What makes us shape-shift like this, to fit ourselves to what we deem is acceptable behavior around specific people, instead of adopting a consistency of character around everyone?
Honesty includes consistency of character. Paul wrote to the Galatians about the fruit of the Spirit, and to the Ephesians about the armor of God. Consistency of character results in a humble submission of our lives to Christ. In putting on the armor of God daily we get to experience the fruit of the Spirit flowing through us in Christ.
“…be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” - Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV
Each day we wake to live carries a divine purpose, but we can miss it if we neglect to let go and let God. As Christ-followers, we get to pray on His armor, experience His fruit, and participate in His Kingdom! We are God’s family! Christ calls us His friends! The Spirit of God lives in every Christ-follower. We are already enough when we wake up in the morning. Let’s be diligent about reminding ourselves! The next generations are watching to witness Christ’s love through us, just as we did from those before us.
Father,
Your love for us is amazing. Only You know the number of our days, and the purpose You have for us. You teach us in the most amazing ways, through the most unexpected circumstances. Develop a consistency of character in us, an authentic honesty about who and Whose we are evident to those around us.
Spirit of God, thank You for equipping us with gifts You are ever-developing in us. God, protect us with Your armor as we walk through each day. Give us wisdom to discern the whispering lies and manipulative tactics of our enemies, and take our thoughts captive to You, Author of life!
Jesus, our Savior, thank You for the sacrifice You made on the cross for us. By defeating death, You made it possible for us to experience forgiveness, grace and mercy. You died so we may live our lives to the full, and join You in heaven for eternity. It’s with this daily perspective we wish to walk through our days on earth, with a hope that cannot be crushed or thwarted. Help us embrace the peace we have in You, Jesus. Help us to be consistently bold in speaking of You, no matter what company we are in.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Meg Bucher writes about everyday life within the love of Christ as an author, freelance writer and blogger at Sunny&80. Her first book, “Friends with Everyone,” is available on amazon.com. She earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University, but stepped out of the business world to stay at home and raise her two daughters. Besides writing, she has led a Bible Study for Women and serves as a Youth Ministry leader in her community. She lives in Northern Ohio with her husband, Jim, and two daughters.
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