WORTH A SECOND THOUGHT
EPHESIANS 4:1-3 NKJV
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
In many households, there is a law. It can be directly stated or implied, but it's there. That law is do not embarrass the family. Represent the family well.
I realize this may be a difficult subject for some people. Parents who live or try to live vicariously through their children can create toxic environments. But when done correctly, representing the family can be a calling up to a higher standard.
In chapter four, Paul, writing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is calling up the church at Ephesus to a higher standard. But it is not his standard. Paul is calling the believers to live and conduct their lives in a manner that honors God's calling on their lives.
Notice this call-up was not limited to the leadership. Preachers, deacons, and elders were not mentioned. This encouragement applied to all the believers. All of us are called to live life on a higher level. All of us are members of the Body of Christ and have a role to fulfill. All of us are called to represent the Lord Jesus. He is the vine, and we are the branches (John 15:5).
Then Paul outlines behavior that qualifies as walking worthy.
With all lowliness and gentleness. Don't touch that dial; this is important.
Lowliness is not a negative self-esteem. Lowliness is another word for humility. It is the opposite from pride. Lowliness is the opposite from an "I'm all that" mentality. And remember, the proud get resisted. The humble get grace.
Gentleness is also translated as meekness. Meekness is not weakness. Rather it's an inward grace of the soul and calmness toward God. Someone referred to meekness as strength under control.
Longsuffering is putting up with others without losing it. Bearing with one another in love, not irritation.
And looking for ways to keep the unity of the Spirit. We will not always agree regarding doctrine, but we can strive for peace with our family in Christ.
This is life on a different level. A spiritual level that honors the life God has called us to.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to live in such a way that You are pleased and represented well.