Eager Walking, Eager Unity

“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, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism,  one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift…

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,  from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love…

“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,  and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.  Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,  and give no opportunity to the devil…  Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear… Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

“Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God… At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 4:1b-7,15-16,22-27,29,31-32; 5:2,8

Paul’s epistles serve to prod along, to goad, encourage, move the churches to specific, positive action. He lays out a Christian life that is anything but static. Walking worthy of calling has an eager, intentional, constructive gait and tempo through every day and situation.

In the flesh, a day ahead might be open for spontaneous activity or jam-packed with responsibilities. Either way gives opportunity to decide how we set about the walk. For what are we most eager? To serve our selfish interests and ends? To achieve our goals? Or to walk worthy of our calling as God’s saints in the Spirit in whatever situation? How can we exemplify Christ and stand out distinctly in a dark and fractured world? (Philippians 2:3-8,14-16)

Small decisions and single steps, combine to determine our path. If we are eager and purposeful in building up the Body, the way will be open and good will come. Complacent, passive living wastes time and opportunity, while zealous living promotes vibrant fellowship and spiritual growth that benefits all in its fold. At home and work, what are we contributing in speech and action to promote and deepen spiritual unity? (Psalm 90:12; Ephesians 5:15-16)

Lord, help me eagerly seek and take Your path each day for others’ blessing and upbuilding and Your glory.