Life Above Reproach

By Ricky Ransom

Thank you for your time in reading this composition. May the love of God be revealed to all mankind by His eternal plan of salvation manifested His only begotten Son, my Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ and has continued the bond of perfection in which we have fellowship in the spirit.

Scripture tells us in Colossians that “all believers are to bear with one another, forgive one another,” and if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you so you must also forgive.  And I will stand steadfastly in that spirit in willing obedience, so it’s manifested in my heart, always nurturing me, and guiding me throughout this discourse until this composition is completed.  And above all things, scripture tells us to put on love which is the bond of perfection, and I am committed to doing so.

When I was growing up, I remember going to church for Easter; however, in my immediate family I didn’t know of anyone of faith. I don’t remember getting saved or anything. Then one day I went to a Protestant service.  I knew Jesus as a Son of God and He died for my sins, but I hadn’t really sat down and read the word with edification in mind.

However, in 2016, I found myself in the county jail arrested for a very serious crime; and not to mention, I was lost in the throes of addiction and homelessness. I had a “cellie” who was a believer and who read his Bible, but I didn’t even have a Bible, nor was I saved at that time.

Then in July of 2022, I agreed to take part in a Christian discipleship program called “Life Above Reproach” which has turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.  When I learned about the program and got a general run-down on how the group concept and accountability phase was going to be facilitated among all participants, I went ahead and signed up.  As reflected by the author in one of the introductory pieces in the front of the workbook, the concept I learned that “Life Above Reproach” comes from the Greek word anepileptos.  It means nothing by which an adversary may lay a charge upon you.  It is practicing righteousness; and as a new believer (as scripture says, “a babe in Christ”), I jumped at the opportunity to exert myself in all things that pertain to life and godliness.

As my prayers grew, I requested a bible from the Chaplin.  I began reading scripture with an eagerness that led me to submit to Christ and making Him Lord and Savior in my life.  And all along the way, His glories and everlasting love has protected me and loved me.  Without Him, I am nothing.

Ricky L. Ransom