Our call to the gospel includes the challenge of embracing diversity
By Dean Collins
I think Paul’s letter to the Ephesians might simply remind us that good theology must lead to humility, love for others, and unity.
The first half of the letter (chapters 1-3) lays the foundation of who Jesus is and what he has accomplished for us and all creation. It establishes deep truths about God, the work of his Son, and the nature of salvation. But it is clear as chapter 4 opens that these foundational truths must be walked out in daily life. You can be a brilliant scholar and fail miserably at the practice of Christian living. You can know the basics of faith but walk in humble obedience to Jesus and change the world.
Practice the life of Jesus
Paul urges the believers in Ephesus to practice the life of Jesus. He gives specific instructions for us. And if we all embraced them, the church would flourish.
1) Walk in a manner worthy of our calling.
This calling isn’t about your day job it’s about your first job. Whatever your occupation, from banker to baker, doctor to delivery driver, professor or politician, if you have called Jesus Lord then your life calling as a follower of Jesus is to share his love and gospel with others. And the character of your life will also bring honor to God wherever and however you earn your paycheck.
2) The identifying characteristics of our Christ-like life are humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
These must be practiced in order to accomplish the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. And this unity assumes that it can and must be accomplished in the rich diversity of the church and the world where we live.
Experience the diversity of God
If we look outside the bubbles we live in and often where we worship, we seldom see this diversity. But if we ask God to reveal the diversity of his creation and then pay attention, we will discover that everyone doesn’t look like us. John described what he saw in Heaven during his revelation: multitudes of every nation and tribe all standing before the throne of God and offering praise (Revelation 7:9).
We recite the Lord’s Prayer and then forget what we just prayed: “thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” John is very clear that Heaven is filled with rich diversity, and in unity these various worshippers bow before one Lord. Yet we often forget that here on earth, week after week and day after day, that same unity is to be lived out. And this is a public act. You can’t live diversity privately.
This doesn’t mean we will all look alike, have all the same interests, or agree on everything. But we must agree on Jesus, and if we do, then we must treat each other the way he treats us.
Use the gifts of the Spirit
As chapter 4 continues, we learn that there is also a diversity of gifts in the body of Christ. And instead of complaining about the gifts we don’t have, we should be embracing the ones we do. And together as we obediently use our gifts, the church matures and the body of Jesus becomes more visible and more attractive to those outside the church.
We all know that family life can have difficult days. As the family of God, we will struggle from time to time around many issues. Yet if every family member remembers the way we are called to work in humility, gentleness, patience, and love—and if all will add a dash of forgiveness and stir in a cup of mercy—I suspect the aroma of Christ would fill the earth and bring glory to God as it draws all men to his Son, Jesus.
Your time with God’s Word
Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16; Revelation 7:9-12 ESV
Photo by Nqobile Vundla on Unsplash
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