Day 37: Ephesians 1:18a

“having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you,”



It is essentially important that we understand what happens when we experience salvation. Paul calls this “the hope to which He has called you”. The immediate effects are obvious and well laid out in scripture. We are forgiven of our sins, we are made righteous, we have a home in heaven for eternity, and we escape God’s wrath.


What effect does this have on our daily life, and more importantly to us, what effect does it have on the life of a leader?


First, and foremost, In Romans 6 Paul says that God’s justification leads to a changed life. Our belief will lead to a different way of life; honoring and pleasing to Jesus. Secondly, we come to realize the nature of the world: everything here is temporary. We live for eternity. We are to pursue those things that are eternal, rather than toiling and acquiring those things that do not last. Lastly, we no longer have a need for fear or want because we know that God loves us and will provide for us if we’ll only seek His kingdom and His righteousness.


All of these outcomes of salvation are important, and in this verse Paul wants us to know these things. Why? Because they really make a difference in how we live our life. One of the things that will draw people to you (either in an evangelistic way or in a leader-follower relationship) is how well you understand and act on these facts.


Your actions and attitudes declare to the world what you truly believe about God. I know I’ve said that before but I’ll harp on it again. It’s so true and so important. People know when you understand the hope that God has called us into because you act like it’s true. That has serious ramifications for the Christian leader.


One of the jobs of a Christian leader is to help people understand this very thing. If we don’t get it, we can’t share it. If we’re not living it, people might not even give us the chance.


CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: A Christian Leader understands the hope that God has called us into. It permeates their life and changes their behavior at a basic level.


Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Romans 8


Prayer: Father, help me to understand what You have called me into. Change my life with that knowledge. Help others see you in me. In Christ’s name, amen.