The Paradigm of the Last Days Church
The Paradigm of the Last days Church Part II
Oneness created by the unity of the Spirit is a great truth but like every great truth it requires functionality. How do we operate in the unity of the Spirit. People are different and have different personalities. These differences are not obliviated at salvation. Paul spoke accurately functioning in the unity of the Spirit is an endeavor.
Fortunately Paul outlines what makes up that endeavor and labels it walking in a manner worthy of our calling. Lets reveiw those first verses in Ephesions.
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
What does it mean to walk worthy? In the english use we equate with some kind of good or moral behavior. In Pauls use it is better understood as a fitting behavior in line with the larger calling as a the body of Christ. It is a quide to how we are to function and interact in the corparate body.
First up, walk in a manner that displays lowliness and gentleness. These two words are about how we view ourselves. Lowliness is humbleness of mind. Its not low self esteem its about a elevated sense of superiority over others. We see this in the Pharisees. They loved the best seats and the recognition of men. Jesus called them hypocrites because they were all about the accolades of men.
I have had the unique privilege of knowing those who consider themselves Holy Spirit gurus or experts. Its arrogance pure and simple. They somehow think they have a corner on the Holy Spirit market. More often its more subtle than overt and often times remains hidden if not discerned. The result it creates this exclusive spirit which I have seen far too often.
Paul uses the same word in Philippians 2:3: “in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” I know those of you who are competitve this can be a struggle.
And for those who are Alfa's by nature this is your verse. You have to take on a humility that makes room for others and in many cases elevates them. Its all about how we see ourselves.
Gentilness is right there alongside humility. I know I am singling out the Alfa's with these two but I have seen the otherside far too often. Its the "this is my show", I will control