Unity of the Spirit – Steve Nelson

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of your calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3

Paul is exhorting the Ephesian church in view of what he just said in chapter 3, verses 20 and 21:

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

Our God will be glorified not only in Christ, but also in His church! It hardly seems possible when we struggle and fail, often not walking in humility or love. The calling with which we have been called is to follow Jesus, to love one another, and to make disciples of all the nations. And He doesn’t just command that and leave it up to us to do it. He has given us His Spirit, the “power that works within us.” God has given us His word – the written scriptures, and the living Word – Jesus the Messiah. He has given us a sure and certain hope of eternal life, forgiveness of our sins, fellowship with Himself, and a place at His table forever.

So, what does it take for God to be glorified in His church? Paul lays it out. Our actions should be humble and gentle, patient, and tolerant of each other in love. Then Paul caps it with the exhortation to “be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Diligence is work. It is effort. It is measuring every thought that comes into our mind against godliness and love. Diligence asks, “Does this idea glorify Jesus and further His kingdom?” Diligence pursues unity of the Spirit by recognizing when our thoughts start to raise our blood pressure and turn our faces red. Dig into why we are reacting this way and then ask, “Is this love or is this my own will?”

We all have thoughts and ideas that we hold very dear. Let’s make sure these are examined in the light of Jesus’ words, in the light of His Holy Spirit, and in pursuit of peace with each other. And let’s be willing to listen to God, changing our hearts and thoughts to conform to His.