Carry yourself in the way of the Lord

In the New American Standard Bible, the fourth chapter of Ephesians is titled “Unity of the Spirit.” The apostle Paul is the author of this Epistle as is clearly stated in Ephesians 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus to the saints who are at Ephesus, and who are faithful in Christ Jesus.”

Paul is speaking to the church body, ministering an exhorting word and encouraging statements. The purpose of his writing was love – a father’s heart and his overall concern for revelation, truth and maturity to be released to the saints in Ephesus.

In this letter, Paul conveys who we are in Christ, and because of who we are and whose we are, there is a responsibility that transcends the flesh. This responsibility is to walk in the spirit, deny the flesh with its own wants and desires and walk in a manner worthy of the call to which we have been called. Paul affirms love, acceptance, promise and reconciliation.

Ephesians 4:1-3 says, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

One of the definitions of the word “entreat” is to “personally make a call.” In this verse of Scripture, the apostle Paul is urging the saints to inventory and personally review and self-examine their lives – referring to the lives of believers as those who are able to offer up evidence that stands up in God’s court, or passes his test.”

For us as Christians, leaders and lay alike, Paul is saying, in essence, “I am going to be close up and personal with you right now, standing right along your side to beg, summon and admonish you all to walk in a manner worthy of the call of God upon your life.” Not in condemnation but, instead, we believe, with an imploring appeal, instruction and intercession. Paul is conveying the love and instruction of the Father to his children: “Be a reflection of me in this earth.”

Life can at times be full of distractions, hurts and obstacles that will try to hinder and cause division in our lives. It happens in families, relationships, among leaders and in churches. We are representatives of Jesus in the earth and are called by his name, his children.

Listed above are some fruits of the Spirit that should be manifested in our lives, without allowing or permitting ourselves personal ways of escape by denials or justifications. Humility goes before honor, and God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble. Grace to operate in and manifest the love of God, even in the most difficult of situations. We are called to take the step and make every effort in the natural and spiritually to preserve relationships and walk in unity and the bond of peace.

The word “forbearance” is another word for patience. Forbearance says “even if we have a lawful right to enforce something, an apology, a debt, an offense, we can refrain for the purpose of peace.” This definition brings with it the idea of “let’s put aside personal differences and feelings, even if justified, for the sake of unity and peace in the Spirit.” This releases a spirit of forgiveness and dispels all pride. Pride is a spirit and attitude that blinds, hinders and hurts, not only the one operating in pride, but those involved. We are to pursue love, our relationship with the Lord with a pure heart while scripturally and diligently preserving unity.

Homes, families, churches and personal relationships are blessings received from the Lord. The commands of the Lord are simple, not complex. Scripture says in Luke 17:1: “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks should come, but woe to him from whom they come.”

All eyes are on the church to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord’s calling, in and through Jesus Christ. Let’s wake up, look up, speak up, make up and grow up! With all humility, receive the truth, the engrafted infallible word of God, and we will then see the glory of the Lord impact lives, families, cities and this nation, for His glory!

Patty Scahill of Austintown is a conference speaker and author.