We are united, the problem is acting like it . . .

In an episode of NCIS, a solder is suspected of killing others in his unit. He protests saying they may have had their differences, but they were brothers, one in heart and soul. He said he would never harm any of them.

This morning I’m reading in Ephesians where Paul (who is writing from prison) says that Christians should have an attitude like that. We should consider ourselves a family in an attitude that affects how we treat one another:

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. (Ephesians 4:1–6)

He says we are united, not that we need to be ununited. A worthy walk means living up to what God says we are!

An ‘unworthy’ walk is quite different. If I do not live as this passage says, I would be proud, harsh, annoyed with those people I don’t like or approve of, and constantly stirring up division. An unworthy walk considers peace as boring and focused on the differences among us. Picky and critical, yet okay with differing views of God, faith, baptism, even enjoying the debates over doctrine and fights between believers.

That was a tough paragraph to write because it happens. However, so does worthy walking. There are Christians who bring unity to strife and verify Jesus’ words “Blessed are the peacemakers.” There are Christians who are incredibly patient with those who are immature, or annoying, or boastful and proud. This is the way we are supposed to be; like Jesus and glorifying who He is and how He lived.

We are not to tolerate those who oppose the unity we have, just as we are not to tolerate false teaching, yet how can that be done in this manner worthy of our calling? My first thought is ‘study Jesus’ and take note with what He did when confronted with words and actions that were not worthy of Him.

James and John wanted Jesus to call down fire on those who refused Him. He rebuked them. (Luke 9:53ff) When Peter told Jesus that He should not suffer and die, Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” (Matthew 4:10)

Jesus also rebuked them for their arguments over who was the greatest. He told them how to live instead:

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.” (John 13:34–35)

Jesus does something that most do not realize, never mind imitate; He can hug us and kick us in the backside both at the same time. He knows how to rebuke without driving us away and He knows how to bless us without making us feel as if we are free to live as we want. This is a skill not learned. It only happens when His people are filled with His Spirit, relying solely on His power to give what is needed.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Lord Jesus, walking in a way worthy of You means denying self and all fleshy activities, even those that seem good or ‘good enough’ and trusting You in all situations and for all needs. Being humble means realizing those around me are more significant, that I am needy and we all need You. Gentleness and patience come when I experience You showing mercy and desire to do the same toward all others. Unity is simply a fact, a reality that must be believed and lived out. Christianity is not easy, not even possible without this other reality — You live in me. I must let You out so You and that unity become visible in everything that I do.

Today’s thankful list . . .

A long walk on a beautiful day.

The trails through a wildlife preserve across the street.

Praying while I walk.

Chicken sandwiches and ripe pears.

My quilting machine.

Making progress with PC purging.

Sleep.