Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, (2) with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, (3) eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Unity, unity, unity… One of the most important characteristics of the church should be the unity of believers.  I think about what Jesus said when he was with his disciples around the table for the last supper… “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Joh 13:34-35)

Maintaining unity can be a challenge because people are involved. I have heard it said that the church would be a wonderful place if it wasn’t for all the people. When we get involved in the lives of others it can often be messy. Paul reminds us that when we walk in a manner worthy of our calling, the reason is to be eager to maintain unity of the Spirit.

Humility, meekness, patience, forbearance, and love are all fruit that come from abiding in Christ. We can’t bear this type of fruit on our own, but when we walk in Christ in a manner worthy of our calling, it should be a byproduct.

For me, when I neglect the discipline of prayer or Bible time, I have a more challenging time accepting the faults of my brothers and sisters in Christ. When I walk in my flesh rather than in the Spirit, I can become more irritated, anxious, critical, and frustrated at some of the most minor infractions. But Paul reminds us that he, and therefore we, are prisoners of Christ. We are to walk in a manner that reflects Him as we eagerly strive for unity.

It is one thing to love one another, it is another to strive after something. To “eagerly maintain unity” means that we are proactive in how we relate to one another and eager to forgive an offense when we are wronged. As adopted brother’s and sister’s in Christ there will be challenges as in any family, so maintaining the unity of the Spirit is vital as we long to see the lost and dying world be drawn to Christ through the way we live our lives.

Be blessed today as you walk in unity with your brothers and sisters…
Keith