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.
“I…urge you to walk in a manner worthy…”
Urge = To press; to push; to drive; to impel; to force onward; and (I add my own :) strongly encourage or challenge
This means we CAN walk in what Paul is encouraging us to walk in (…humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…)! How often do we make excuses for not living like this? How often do we (do I!) blame others or simply contend with the Body? Where, then, is the unity of the Spirit? Where is the bond of peace? When I respond impatiently rather than with patience…where is the appropriation of the strengthening power of the Spirit within me that Chapter 3 just informed me of? Rather, it IS possible, as Paul urges, to live and walk in these (and others, as this list is not exhaustive) characteristics. But it is ONLY possible because of the grace of God (Titus 2:11), the fact that sin no longer has dominion over me (Romans 6:14) and that I ACT in obedience (Romans 6:16). What a powerful combination these make! Sin stands no chance against the power of the blood of Christ! So then, my sinful arrogance, harshness, impatience, anger, discord, etc, etc is no match for Christ – it is already defeated! Why do I continue in it? (Romans 7)
Oh Lord, may I grow in my ability to walk in a manner worthy of this calling that I have received from You. May I continue to put to death what is sin and put on what is of You. May I strive always to keep the unity with others and not give in to things that have no dominion over me. Thank You for Your amazing grace that enables me to live like this – that You have not called me to something that is impossible for me!
Whoops. I only made it to verse 3 tonight!! :o/
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