“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the 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

Notes:

Yesterday, we debunked the idea that only ‘pastors’ are called to the ministry, but that everyone in the kingdom is called for service.  Along with ministry comes also the call for character.  We are urged to walk in a manner worthy of our callings and ministries.  So many folks want to have great and powerful ministries, but neglect the aspects of holiness and character change. The passage above gives us several virtues and character traits that we are to have as we walk into our callings:

1. Humility- The virtue of humility is the opposite of pride.  Pride always speaks to the interest of self; humility speaks to the interest of others.  Dictionary Definition: “freedom from pride and arrogance; lowliness of mind; a modest estimate of one’s own worth; a sense of one’s own unworthiness through imperfection and sinfulness; self-abasement.” God gives grace to those who are of humble heart, but resists those who are prideful.
2. Gentleness- Jesus described himself as being “gentle and lowly in heart”. It is to be temperate, calm, and kind.  Dictionary Definition: “to disposition and behavior, and often suggests a deliberate or voluntary kindness or forbearance in dealing with others.”
3. Patience– A perfect picture of patience is Jesus on the Cross.  There He was, looking down upon the ones who tore His flesh open, forced thorns on His head to the point of penetrating His skull, drove three nails through the cartilage and bones of His hands and feet, striped Him naked, but yet not one compliant left His mouth. Rather it was “Father, forgive them…”

Dictionary Definition: “the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.”

Willing to Take the Challenge?

The character of the calling may be just as important as the calling itself.  We are urged to be of the same mind as Jesus, who did not consider himself equal with God as God, but came to earth as a servant, considering humanity of greater importance to him than His own life. 

Do you consider others of more interest than yourself? Are you forbearing when dealing with others?  When you are in a circumstance that you dislike, do you complain, become annoyed or irritated?  

Ask God to give you grace to allow these virtues to manifest and take root in your life, so you can enter into the callings and service He has for you with confidence and joy.