Ephesians 4:1-10
Unity in the Body
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all,who is over all, in all, and living through all. However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. That is why the Scriptures say,
“When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
“Can They See Christ in You?”
We live in a world saturated with noise—opinions, performances, curated lives. But beneath the surface, people are searching. Not for perfection, but for authenticity. Not for polished religion, but for a glimpse of something real. Something holy.
That’s why Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:1 hit so hard:
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
This isn’t a casual suggestion. It’s a heartfelt plea from a man writing from prison, whose life had been radically transformed by grace. Paul knew what it meant to be forgiven, redeemed, and called—and he knew that calling came with a response.
Called to Represent
Paul reminds us that we are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). That means our lives are meant to reflect the character of Jesus. Not just in church, but in traffic. In conflict. In the quiet moments when no one is watching.
So we ask:
Can they see Christ in you?
Can your neighbor see Him in your patience?
Can your coworker see Him in your integrity?
Can your children see Him in your humility?
This isn’t about striving for perfection. It’s about surrender. It’s about letting the Spirit shape us into people who carry the fragrance of Christ wherever we go.
The Marks of a Worthy Life
Paul doesn’t leave us guessing. He gives us a blueprint:
- Humility: Not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. Choosing servanthood over status.
- Gentleness: Responding with grace, even when provoked. Holding strength with tenderness.
- Patience: Enduring with hope. Refusing to retaliate. Trusting God’s timing.
- Love: Bearing with one another. Forgiving. Choosing connection over division.
- Unity: Making every effort to protect the bond of peace. Celebrating diversity while pursuing oneness.
These aren’t just virtues—they’re spiritual fruit. They grow when we stay rooted in Christ.
A Church That Reflects Heaven
When we live this way, something beautiful happens. The church becomes a mirror of heaven. A place where people feel safe, seen, and drawn to Jesus—not because of flashy programs, but because of the love they encounter.
Unity isn’t uniformity. It’s a Spirit-led harmony that honors our differences while anchoring us in the same hope, the same Lord, the same baptism.
And when the world sees that kind of unity? They take notice.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35
The Invitation
So what’s your next step?
- Maybe it’s forgiving someone who’s hurt you.
- Maybe it’s choosing gentleness in a tense conversation.
- Maybe it’s surrendering a part of your life you’ve been holding back.
Whatever it is, know this: You are deeply loved. You are called. And your life—yes, your ordinary, messy, beautiful life—can reflect the glory of God.
Let’s be a people who live worthy of the call.
Let’s be a church that makes the world wonder, “What is it about them?”
Let’s be all in for Jesus.