Scripture Time

Ephesians 4:1-16
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it[a] says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."[b] 9(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Are we living a life worthy of our calling? Are we humble, gentle, patient of others faults? We all know we have faults. Do we try to get along w/ others or do we push to get our way? Let's say we are waiting in line at a store and we have a coupon to use. When it's our turn they won't accept our coupon. What should we do? Should we demand that they take it, ask to see the manager, or humbly and gently say OK, it's not a big deal. Be peaceful and try to show Christ. In a another translation verse 16 says as each part does it's own special work, it helps the other parts grow. I think if we aren't focused on the right thing it's going to be hard to help the other parts to grow. If we aren't letting our light shine for Christ WHO are we helping?

Father~ Help us to be living a life worthy to you. Help us to be humble,gentle and patient with others. When we are put into a situation help us to think about what would please you and act on it. In your name Amen.