ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý The older I get the more I miss Mom. Recalling her keen sense of humour even in the direst of circumstances has often reminded to look for the best, even when things are seemingly at their worst; listening in my heart to her daily habit of playing the piano is a warning not to lose my song, no matter what. Though those and many other memories are poignant, I can't forget her quiet but determined way of letting me know who was boss.
ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý "According to who?" I recall challenging her after I'd disobeyed then tried to defend my action. Her immediate answer was concise and customary: "According to me!" In that case, there was no further discussion required.
According to whom? Ever been asked this question? Asked it of anyone else? As an adult I now realize that any type of authority can be used wisely or wickedly.
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýBy whose authority do we make statements?Ìý The Apostle Paul in writing to the believers who were living in the city of Ephesus may well have been responding to those kinds of doubts about his role in the early church when he began his letter with a series of "according to" statements. He'd laboured for several years among the new believers in Ephesus but now found himself imprisoned in Rome under the jurisdiction of Roman law. No exemptions from "according to" circumstances for him.
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýEven though he let them know that he was suffering afflictions (3:13), Paul reminded them of the rich blessings that they had received through the gospel were also granted "according to": Redemption, according to the riches of His grace (1:7); every spiritual blessing including spiritual adoption into His family, according to His good pleasure (1:5,9); an eternal inheritance, according to counsel of His will (1:13).
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýAre you in authority? Always use it wisely!Ìý
