Be A Prisoner

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” ~ Galatians 3:28



[Notice when this inmate stated that his cellmate and him are both Christians on the 46th sec. mark].

Prisons are now becoming over-crowded with many types of races, backgrounds, and cultures. There is always a potential for big riots because of the many differences they have. Unity is not known. But when inmates like those two from that video turned to Christ, their hearts were changed. In spite of the differences they may have, but as followers of Christ, they have learned to accept those differences and start living in harmony, in confinement.

This whole world have inhabitants with many differences. Many are still blinded with the thought that their race is better than another. The truth is we are all the same. Created by One Creator. We may have all the differences in our color, the language that we speak, the way we live, but we are all the same. Equally loved by God.

We can all learn from Paul, who was physically imprisoned but in reality, stated he was actually a prisoner of Christ. The paradox of becoming a prisoner in Christ: chains are broken in all areas where there is captivity in your life. To become a prisoner of Christ, we must learn how to deny ourselves, seek God daily and pray earnestly.

“1As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. 2Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. 3Try your best to let God's Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. 4All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God's people. 5We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. 6There is one God who is the Father of all people. Not only is God above all others, but he works by using all of us, and he lives in all of us. 7Christ has generously divided out his gifts to us. 8As the Scriptures say,
   "When he went up
   to the highest place,
   he led away many prisoners
   and gave gifts to people."
9When it says, "he went up," it means that Christ had been deep in the earth. 10This also means that the one who went deep into the earth is the same one who went into the highest heaven, so that he would fill the whole universe. 11Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, 12so that his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. 13This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him. 14We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place. 15Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head 16of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.” ~ Ephesians 4:1-16 [CEV]

Yes, we can all live in harmony, with unity, if we all learn to become a prisoner... Prisoner of Christ only!

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.' ~ Colossians 3:14




21 comments:

  1. I Know in Eternity we will all know and understand there will be no differences no pride no evil....until then I pray for the hearts of the people in situations such as this. May they have a powerful encounter with their Creator....Their Father who loves and adores them and longs to heal their wounded hearts and take the pain that causes them to act out on each other! To take the evil and turn it to goodness and kindness, gentleness, love,joy, peace, pateince, faithfulness and self control!

    Love you Rosel!

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  2. I praise GOD for the uniqueness and diversity in our creation. I pray diligently our worlds people would realize the truth of creation and how beautifully and wonderfully made we are..in HIS image! What a blessing....let us become people who rejoice with our "earthly siblings" rather than fight amongst each other.

    Hugs, blessings, and prayers,
    andrea

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  3. It sounds so simple: love one another. The world would be a much better place if we all lived by this rule.

    I posted the verse (Philippians 4: 6,7) b/c I needed it this am. I have been feel down and anxious lately. I'm still dealing w/alot of issues from Madison's dad. I'm expecting a call from the case worker at Dept. of Children's Services later to set up another meeting. Hopefully, I can get his visitation reduced or supervised. My daughter's health is in jeopardy until then. Please pray for us. Thank you. I hope you have a blessed week! Love you.

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  4. I was reading Galatians yesterday. I love this book. I was reading it in "The Message" version.
    I love reading this version for devotional reading.

    Such a paradox is "being Christ's slave equaling real total freedom" - but such is the truth.

    Blessings!

    love you background!!

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  5. Thanks for this sis, love you.

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  6. I was praying for you this morning. For protection, wisdom and thanks.
    Have a blessed week my friend Rosel,
    Cherie

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  7. Oh Rosel, I have been so preoccupied this week and have not been able to get over to my wonderful blogging friend's online homes this week. I have missed you and your wisdom so much. I am always so blessed every time I stop by. You bless me so much!

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  8. This news was new to me. First, I didn't realize prisoners had been segregated and then I didn't realize that they were now being integrated.

    First, my position will be very unpopular - but I don't think prisoners have any civil rights while they are in prison. Originally, they were sent to prison to be punished. I don't think we should tortue them, treat them inhumanely or any of those extremes which I think is a foolish straw man argument of why the need to have civil rights. They violated society's standards and laws - they are being punished.

    Second, I think it is foolish to desegrate them. That is only asking for violence and trouble. Territory and gang wars will ensue.

    Third, men who do not have the Spirit of God in them will not understand that we are all created by a God and that we are all "equal." Integration should take place in society as people become Christians and grow in their faith, legislating it is not always a good idea. A man persuaded against his will is of the same opinion still. With all of the civil rights laws we have now we have not changed as a society. You cant legislate rightheousness. I agree, we should not have prejudices, especially as believers, red and yellow, black and white they are all precious in his sight - but God's love must change the heart.

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  9. @ bro. Gregg: It is sad...that inmates have a lot of rights when incarcerated. For me, that's why they never learn. Like what you said, not to punish them harshly. There are many ways to make them learn their lesson. Sadly, a lot of them are even proud when incarcerated because the punishment is not severe enough. And many just manipulate the system...Nothing can change them but the change that Christ does in every person's heart. Like mine...Blessings to all of you.

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  10. There's one fellow that we visit in prison...he hates black people, indians...you name it. I find it so hard to minister to him in light of this. You're right in saying there isn't much unity in prisons...way too much hate in the world...and in the prisons...

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  11. Unity ... wouldn't it be wonderful if we would all walk in love?

    Bless you friend~
    Beth

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  12. We have seen firsthand through prison ministry how hearts truly do change when Christ brings freedom to those who are behind bars. That is TRUE freedom.

    As always, I'm thankful for your ministry here.

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  13. Joining in all the others while we thank you for your powerful ministry. I am writing a post today (it might only be tomorrow with my ADD) about who we touch in this life by planting God's seeds within.

    You, my friend.....are producing a harvest!

    love you!

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  14. It is hard to try and softened a hardened heart.Prision ministry is so important and the Lord tells us to visit them with his word. Just one heart changed can reach another. With God all things are possible. Your blog is so informative and helps me to not put these people out of sight out of mind.

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  15. Visiting from the Internet Cafe today. Thanks for your Scripture ministry here. Nice to meet you!

    e-Mom @ Chrysalis
    http://chrysaliscom.blogspot.com

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  16. If God would withdrawal His common grace from all unsaved people.....the world would end in mass murder. All people outside of Christ....really are totally depraved. If it were not for the sovereign grace of our Lord....no one would be saved.

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  17. The video didn't work for me. :(
    One day on the other side of eternity there will be no more prejudice. Prejudice stems from pride and pride is at the root of all sin.

    I enjoyed Greggs comment too and I have to say I agree with him. I'm guessing those points came out of the video. :)

    Love ya friend!

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  18. I love your perspective on things. I can learn a lot from you. Love ya!

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  19. Thanks for those beautiful verse and thoughts, Dear. I'm sure it won't be easy in the prisons unless, as you say, they are prisoners of Christ. Blessings ~

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  20. Thank you for a great post. I pray with Jesus in his prayer in John 17 for unity.

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  21. When I started understanding the spiritual gifts, thereby understanding the beauty of diversity rather than being threatened by it, I was freed. People get whiny, backbite and maybe even snarly when they do not understand each of us has different gifts which is why we respond differently. Because we each have different gifts, we do not have to do EVERYTHING, just what we are called to do. I know I have felt more confidence in myself and appreciation for others.

    My littles one is always saying, "Opposite Day Mom" when he teases. It's amazing how God is like Opposite day - we are more free as prisoners of God!

    Thank you for inspiring and encouraging:)

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