“…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.” Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV
Sometimes I act as if God has called me to straighten out the world.
These days, I see an array of wrongdoings and crooked practices that need straightening. I find so many reasons to complain, to criticize, and to rant.
So, for my birthday, my husband asked our friend Dale to build me a soapbox. Dale built a wooden box, sturdy enough to support my weight when I stand on it and proclaim my opinions.
Now, when I see others distorting the truth, acting unjustly, or making foolish choices, I can stand on my soapbox and shout, “People! Enough! Listen up!” (Those expressions are a throwback to my days as a classroom teacher.)
But I have to check myself. God has called me to live for Him…but He never called me to complain or criticize or condemn.
What It Means to Be “Called”
How We Live Out Our Calling
“so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…” Colossians 1:10 ESV
How do we live up to our name as Christians?
So how do we walk in a manner worthy of our calling?
- Live holy lives. (1 Thessalonians 4:7, 1 Peter 1:15) We don’t make excuses (like, “I’m only human. God will forgive me.”) God abhors sin; He went to great extremes to atone for our sin. In view of Christ’s sacrifice, how can we intentionally continue in sin?
- Display humility. (I Peter 3:8) That means we don’t stand on our soapboxes and talk down to others. (Ouch!)
- Maintain a spirit of unity. (1 Peter 3:8) We’re called to love our brothers and sisters in Christ and to be united with them. The outside world is watching, so we lay aside petty grievances. We refrain from squabbling over unimportant issues.
- Be a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8) We’re to bless others so that we may obtain a blessing.
- Be joyful and reasonable. (Philippians 4:4) Joy is attractive. And graciousness is compelling. We’re to be known as happy, reasonable people.
And sometimes, living out our calling means following Christ’s example when we suffer for the sake of righteousness. (1 Peter 2:21)
What We’re Not Called to Do
“ Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9 ESV
If we want to be worthy of our calling, the Apostle Peter instructs us not to repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling.
That’s a tough order in this day and age. Social media gives us a platform where we can hide behind a screen, slinging insults at those who oppose us. We’re tempted to share memes and sound bites ridiculing those with different viewpoints.
Yes, sometimes those viewpoints are ridiculous. Sometimes they’re evil. Some viewpoints stand in defiance to God and His Word.
But we respond with respect rather than with reviling.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
Angry, critical, condescending…. that’s not who I am in Christ.
So, in view of the life God has called me to live, I want to be more reverent and Christ-like.
To be careful with my words.
And to strive for dialog, but not quarrels.
To come prepared to communicate the incomparable hope we have in Christ.
With gentleness.
With respect.
That’s why I’m getting down from my soapbox.
Images courtesy of Smart and Alex Shute on Unsplash.