Ephesians 4:1-2, “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.”
Paul is now launching into the practical aspects of our life in Christ (Ephesians 4-6) by urging the church to walk in unity, purity, harmony, and finally, in victory. This is our duty and responsibility in Christ. We all have to keep in mind how patient God has been with us. Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, “. . . learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart (humble).” His love is generous, full of mercy and grace, and goodness; therefore, we are to walk in a manner that is worthy of our name – a Christian.
When one has humility, one is content and happy in not needing to be in control or steering things only our way. Do you see yourself as a person that tries to control things or people? Are you a good listener? I think it is easy to recognize lack of humility and manipulation tendencies in others rather than in ourselves. We all have those offenders that come to mind, don’t we? It has been said that when you know you have the grace of humility you have lost it. But Jesus Christ was the supreme example of what the word humility is and means. Paul admonished the believers in Philippi, in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
True humility is knowing oneself, accepting oneself, and being yourself all to the glory of God. It requires having the right balance in walking in the manner of your calling in the work God has given you to do.
Which Christian character trait that Paul lists here is more challenging for you? Is it humility, gentleness, patience, or showing acts of love? I tend to be challenged with showing gentleness at times, and then second would be patience. I am working on this.
Not taking revenge is one aspect of what true humility means in walking in a manner worthy of our calling in Christ when inevitable wrongs occur within God’s family of united believers. We all have differences, weaknesses, and strengths, due to our upbringing and background. It is part of who we are. But we need to be patient with fellow believers in extending mercy and grace freely. I love how the MSG states the beginning of chapter 4 in Ephesians: “I want you to get out there and walk – better yet, run! – on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline – not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.”
Listen to Casting Crowns It Has To Start Right Here (Official Lyric Video) 7/24/20.