STAYING IN MY PLACE By Tammy Glover

“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep with the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called to one hope when you were called–one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4: 1-6 NIV

It’s not my place to judge you or to look down on you. It’s not my place to manipulate you or control you. It’s not my place to harass you and make your life difficult. It’s not my place to turn my back on you when you’re in need and withhold my help. It’s not my place to tear you down or enjoy seeing you fall.

It is, however, my place to show you compassion. It’s my place to find out what I can do to help you and not how you can help me. It’s my place to let you go to allow you to learn things on your own and to let you discover your own path. It’s my place to let you see the light that God has placed inside of me. It’s my place to encourage you and to offer my hand to help lift you up. It’s my place to pray for you. It’s my place to love you.

Do you know your place? Now, before you answer that question, truly think about it. Do you really know your place and are you there? Do you realize what an honor and blessing it is that God has chosen you; that he has called you to be a representation of himself? Do you know how much it breaks His heart when you don’t stay in your place? When we hurt each other, our brothers and sisters, it hurts our Father too. I ask you again, do you know your place?

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: love each other.” John 15: 16-17 NIV