After revealing that Jew and Gentile are one through Christ, Paul challenges them with some practical ramifications of their faith. Paul says to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” Walking refers to lifestyle and worthy carries the idea of living up to God’s standards, so walking worthy is demonstrating a lifestyle of holiness through daily attitudes and actions. Paul does one specific way that his readers can demonstrate a lifestyle of purity… they should live a life of humility. Humility is the quality which causes a person not to think highly of themselves. This doesn’t mean we should hate ourselves, but view our life under God’s control and submit to His ways. When humility is a part of our daily conduct we will treat others with respect and be patient with them (4:2). Humility leads to patience which ultimately leads to unity. Paul had every reason to address the subject of unity since the Jews were probably not too excited about the inclusion of Gentiles in the church. Paul gave them the formula to be unified – be humble. When people think too highly of themselves and think they are superior to others it will inevitably result in fighting, jealousy, and hatred. These characteristics could not make their way into the church so Paul wanted to challenge them to be humble. The Holy Spirit creates peace within the life of believers (4:3) and oneness is God’s way. After all there is one body (the church), one Spirit, one hope (eternal life), one Lord, one faith (truth/Scripture), one baptism, and one God. Unity is expected within the body of Christ! There is no reason people within the church should not get along. I realize people have different personalities, likes/dislikes, and opinions, but those things are not what unify. Unity is based on the list Paul just mentioned. If God expected the Jews and Gentiles to get along, God must also desire us to develop unity within the church. Yes, unity takes work, but the Holy Spirit empowers us. I am not calling for the church to embrace doctrinal error but to demonstrate humility and patience which will ultimately lead to unity!
Dear God, cause genuine believers to get along and may I be an agent of change within the church. Make me unified with You so I can be unified with others.
