For This Reason…

Posted on April 30, 2019 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” — Ephesians 3:14

The echoes of the unanswerable question, “What were you thinking?” still ring in my mind. This question would come when I was confronted by someone who was confused by an action of ill intent I recently committed. That moment when you’re left to your own devise and trying to figure out an explanation, which was usually answered with the famous one word response, “Because…”

“For This Reason” is a sandwich with the meat of the phrase “THIS.” If we consider that our actions (this) are preconceived by our thoughts we might be able to reconcile things a little better after the fact. Change our thinking and our actions will follow suit. Paul puts it this way in Colossians 3, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” The letter to Colossae is an appeal to move from one way of thinking to another. Not Philosophy, not legalism or carnality but Christ and Him crucified. Character that causes us to react to the Grace of God that is bestowed on us.

If I’m walking in the Spirit, having renewed my mind because I see myself as a living sacrifice I will conduct myself and be able to answer the unanswerable question with, “For this reason…” Clear, concise and without condemnation. Paul lays out the principle foundation of our faith and says “For this reason…” what reason? We have been brought near our salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, having been justified through faith and standing on the Cornerstone of Christ we now have a reason for being.

Our “This” in “For this reason” is a mindset that has been preprogrammed by the realization that we no longer have to defend ourselves and we now have a basis for our being. Fixing my eyes on Jesus causes my actions to be fueled by a thought process that dissolves all my anxiety, insecurity and rejection that can shape my actions. I now speak with the reasoning of reconciliation, bringing the message of the Gospel which is powered by God. We are now ambassadors for Christ, no longer speaking on our own behalf. This makes no sense to the outside world but to us it’s the power to save.

We all have a reason for our actions, the mindset that is established in you right now will determine your next step. Attitudes lead to action, set your mind on things above and when someone asks you why you did that, start your sentence with, “For THIS reason.” Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano Rob Russomano is married to Terri, and serves with her as full time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.

The Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 7-8, Revelation 17| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: “Our lifestyle, language, attitudes, and manner of dress reflect on His name. He leads us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Unless you are honestly convinced that the thing in question will bring glory to God, then don’t do it.” – Curtis Hutson

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.  For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. – 2 Corinthians 5:20-21