His Glory, Our Story - Part IV: Don’t Just Talk to Talk, Walk the Walk
Scripture:
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3, ESV)
Observation:
Paul is writing to the believers in Ephesus from a place of suffering, giving his urgent plea even more weight. As I read his letter, I can’t help but feel that it is being written directly to us at Redemption Church. In our comfortability, we may be tempted to take such a plea lightly; however, his letter reminds us that we cannot delay in working towards the mission God has assigned to each of us.
Paul is urging them–and us–to walk in a manner worthy of the calling God has placed within each of us. This doesn’t mean trying to earn our salvation; instead, it is a charge that our daily behavior would match who we are called to be in Christ. Paul lists the traits needed to thrive in community: humility, gentleness, patience, and "bearing with" (making allowance for) one another's faults.
Unity isn't something we create; the Holy Spirit does that. Our job is to cultivate, guard, and maintain unity by “making every effort” (verse 3, NLT). This requires work on our part—active and, sometimes, exhausting work. Each of us plays a unique part in the body—we are not called to be uniform, but united in Him. What a generous God we serve, that He has given each of us special gifts, all of which point and bring glory to Him!
Application:
What does “walking worthy” look like? It makes me ask myself, “Who has God called me to be?” This is a big, important question! As I’ve grown and matured in Christ, I can see how the natural gifts He’s put in me can glorify His name. Whether it be public speaking or artistic abilities, whether making great coffee or teaching kids–all can, and should, be used for His Kingdom.
“Walking worthy” also means taking the time to examine my own heart and asking myself if I have been living a life that reflects Jesus well. If someone looked at my attitude this week, would they see the gospel? Am I someone who seeks peace in all situations? Do I make allowances for others' faults, or have I allowed bitterness and anger to creep in?
Being eager to maintain unity means that peace is our priority. So, let's do a heart check:
Are we holding onto a grudge or stirring up drama?
Are we sowing seeds of strife or edifying one another with our words?
Are we bringing light to a dark situation and speaking the truth in love?
Pastor Julius challenged us to walk as if we were the ministers. “Minister” is derived from the Latin word meaning servant or helper. Being a servant means putting others ahead of yourself and doing so with humility and love, just as Christ did for us! May we accept that our calling is to live like true servants of the Lord, devoting our lives in a way that everyone around us knows that, as Christians, this is our calling in Christ!
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for calling me into Your family. I admit that walking worthy of this call is often difficult. I still sometimes fail to be patient or gentle with those in my life. Lord, I ask that You would change my heart and make me new in You! Give me the humility to put others first, the gentleness to respond with care, the patience to endure difficult situations in love, even when I am frustrated. I ask that You help me to be a peacekeeper in my home, my workplace, and my church. In Jesus’ name. Amen.