As One

Ephesians 4 is a great chapter that explores the life after our repentance and after we have turned back to Christ. It compares our old desires and ways with what our new attitude and outlook should be. Paul gives several simple guidelines to follow as we learn to live and grow in Christ.

Paul first addresses us as a whole, as a body and a unit of Christ. When we've been adopted into God's family, we're not an only child, but in a family of millions, by placing ourselves in a community of believers, we will be surrounded by people who care and love God, which results to love and care for those around them. As a whole we are called to live humbly, gently, patiently, and lovingly. God assigned and gave us pastors, preachers, teachers, evangelists etc.. so that they can help equip and build us up, preparing us for works of service, knowledge of scripture, but most importantly, the ultimate goal, attaining the fullness of Christ (v.11-13). With fellow brothers and sisters, we must learn to work together, growing, loving and supporting one another in Christ (v.15-16). Following Christ is not an individual task. There are several others in the same boat as you, so why not work together?

Although we are together and as one in Christ, we are each individuals, and we have to build our own relationship with Christ as well as live out a life of Christ ourselves. When we came to know Christ, we surrendered and put our old self off, exchanging it for a new found attitude for righteousness and holiness (v.22-24). Those of the world and without Christ would continue to pursue their selfish desires, but we are to live differently.

Paul touches on two specific topics, anger and stealing. He tells us not to be angry after the sun goes down (v. 26-27), and not to steal, but to work and do good. Many times, sin can be a result of anger. I guess maybe that is why Paul decided to address this subject. Like it says in the text, if we stay angry, it will give the devil a foothold. When we are anger, we channel bitterness and sometimes when it gets uncontrollable, we end up doing ungodly things, things we will regret. On the topic of stealing and theft, Paul uses the image of a thief to show repentance. For one's life to be truly changed, there has to be a conversion. A thief must change his life of greed and laziness to a life of hard and honest work, ultimately sharing his earnings with those around him.

Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths. The book of James has an entire passage that talks about taming the tongue as it is described as something powerful and difficult to control. Words can be destructive or healing. It depends on how you use them. Paul wants us to build each other up with words of encouragement and support.

³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:31-32

Paul has a list that goes on and on, but the most important bit is the last verse. "just as Christ did". The next chapter starts by telling us to be imitators of God. As Christians, we are working towards a godly life, and Jesus Christ is the perfect example for us to follow. Let us learn to follow and walk in his steps, imitating Him, every step of the way as one body of Christ, and as one believer in Christ.

verse of the day: Ephesians 4:1-2

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.