Ephesians 4:20
“But you did not learn Christ in this way.”
This phrase fills me with joy. It reminds me of the work God has done. It's like I see a solid sturdy brick wall that was built by a skilled mason. It's impressive. I look back at life and I get the same feeling. All the parts of life that may have been frustrating, I now see that He was working out kinks and working in patience.
We are led by the Spirit. That's another way I learned Christ. The Word and God's guidance would steer and direct. Many times I wasn't sure why. I began to trust that He knew what He was doing. I didn't need reasons. That's faith. Parents understand this. We may give some direction to a child. It would be nice if a full justification isn't given every time this happens. Sometimes it's helpful, other times it's trust.
Another way Christ was learned was to love. There are many annoyances and impositions. God teaches us to be patient. Instead of getting frustrated, we love. Instead of thinking, "I would be done if this person wouldn't have stepped in front of me", we think, "How can I be a blessing?"
We learn that the way of Christ is that of fulness. David says, "My cup overflows", (Psalm 23). God blesses us because we are His children, but He also blesses our obedience. Malachi 3:10 speaks of God blessing our giving, '"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure."' This blessing comes in many forms. We overflow with joy, sustenance and so on.
I've heard people speak of the difficulty of the christian life. That may be, but I feel blessed, confident in what He's doing, happy about the past direction and hopeful about His future guidance. I feel Jesus' promise that "His yoke is easy and His burden is light".
It's true that Jesus said, "Take up your cross and follow Me", so I have to die to some of my wishes. That's rarely enjoyable, but the rewards are so great. There are so many wonderful ways we have learned Christ.
Today's verse says, "You did not learn Christ in this way." Which way? The way of the gentiles. In the futility of their minds, with darkened understanding, not sensitive to the Spirit, but calloused, they are engaged in all sorts of impurities and greed.
He saved us from that life and taught us His way. He plucked us out of going down stream with the crowd, all headed toward destruction. Rescued! Thank You!
Thank You, God for teaching us Christ. What a wonderful life.