A Walk through Ephesians - Pt 14

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. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:1–6 ESV).

 

Our reading today serves as the structural and thematic turning point of Paul’s letter, shifting from theological doctrine (Chapters 1–3) to practical Christian living (Chapters 4–6). Writing from prison, the Apostle Paul issues a passionate plea for believers to live out their high heavenly calling through concrete relational virtues and an unwavering commitment to church unity.

 

We should not miss the reference Paul makes to be a "prisoner for the Lord," emphasizing that his chains are a direct result of his alignment with God's purpose. As such he adds authority and example of his teaching that many cannot. These practices resulted in his imprisonment, yet he holds they are worth every sacrifice.

 

The phrase "live a life worthy" (or "walk worthy") uses the Greek word axiōs, which carries the imagery of a balancing scale. Paul is urging that daily conduct must match the heavyweight identity given by God's grace. It is not a way to earn love, but a response to being loved. He then lists five attitudes of this unity he calls them to live. He desires us to exhibit humility, seeing ourselves accurately in relation to God and putting others first. He encourages gentleness. This is power under control, mimicking Christ's own meekness. He also encourages patience. Paul understood personal the long-suffering endurance under difficult or provoking circumstances that describe such a practice. This leads him to say we ought to practice bearing with one another; consciously making allowances for each other's flaws and quirks. And last, he says we are to love one another which is the motivating framework that binds all these virtues together.

 

In today’s culture which is rife with division and an ever widening gap between, I wonder if we have lost these characteristics completely. I urge all of us to take seriously the call to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to be the children of God!