This week’s devotions are based on Week 7 of the Series Ephesians: Becoming Who You Are (CLICK HERE)
When Jesus went back into heaven after his ministry on this earth, he left his Church with this one key directive:
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Followers of Jesus don’t naturally know what it looks like to follow Jesus. Not only are we to connect people to Jesus, we are to teach them to obey, to follow, to put into practice everything Jesus has commanded.
So what does “living a life worthy of the calling we have received” look like?
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
As with so many aspects of the Christian life, the Apostle Paul starts with heart issues. Since the heart is not only the seat of our emotions, but also the driver of our actions, if our heart is not centered and grounded well in the love of Christ and living life for Christ, we will not do well with living in a way that is worthy of the calling Christ has given to us.
- Be humble. Be completely humble.
The Christian life does not have room for self-centered, ego-focused living. Humility is the ability to put self second and think of others first…even when you don’t want to or have to. Humility doesn’t mean one is a push over, in fact one may have all the status and power to demand all attention…just like Jesus. But humility chooses to not seek acclaim or attention, but rather spend energy and effort on service of others. Paul put it this way: Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
2. Be patient.
Patience is the ability to slow down and walk with someone in a moment or season of life when you don’t feel you have the time or the reason to do so. Patience is the expression of love that does not react in dramatic fashion or lash out in anger, but is willing to take time to listen and understand. Patience is one with a teacher’s heart that is willing to communicate a lesson or truth repeatedly until it is understood. Patience is the ability to apply the forgiveness God has shown to someone who has wronged you multiple times. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
3. Bear with one another in love.
We all have or have had someone in our life that is an “extra love opportunity.” As you know people around you don’t always think, act, or react the same way you do. People have different emotions and approach life in different ways. This can be annoying, frustrating, or downright maddening. However, when we bear with another person in love, we are willing to walk with them through a season that is difficult or just loving them inspite of the quirks or things that might annoy us. We realize they are a person loved by God and worthy of our love…so even when it’s difficult we show love to them.
This is just the opening three…but remember that all of these are done under the shadow of Christ’s love for you. When I struggle with any of these, I try to remember this. Jesus was humble, patient and bore with me first…and because he did that for me first, I can do it for others.
Apply: Which of these three is most difficult for you? Allow the Spirit of God to help you see where your opportunities for growing are. Maybe today he will give you an opportunity to live one of these truths out!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your humility, patience and love. Help me to exhibit these qualities to others even as you have to me. AMEN.