Exploring Thriving Through EphesiansSample

Paul shifts his focus from our identity in Christ, who God says that we are, to our behavior. Thriving involves both our thinking and believing as well as our doing. Our actions always flow from something we believe. Our thoughts also flow from something that we believe.

That's why Paul spends so many words and prayers helping us understand how God sees us. The world around us often tells us lies about who we are. The Father wants the 'doing' part of my life to flow from a deep understanding of His love and His thoughts about us.

Remember Paul explains in chapter 1 that we had specific tasks for each of us? Well, today he begins to flesh that out. He begins with an aspirational call to live a worthy life in light of God's calling us into His family. He knows that with the Holy Spirit in command central, we can live worthy lives, lives that bring great glory to the Father. Then he explains that each of us has various gifts and tasks that lead to His body growing up, becoming mature.

And because life is lived out with other people around us, a large part of our worthy living involves how we relate to each other. Am I patient? Am I humble? Do I bear with the failing of others in ways that honor them? Do I seek unity even when it is costly to me?

He calls us to a person-to-person unity in verse 3, and a corporate unity involving all of us in verse 13. It's important. It reflects the Father's character. And it's only possible through the work of the Spirit in our lives.

What about you? In what ways do you seek unity when there is division?

What about in the body that you are a part of? How is unity worked out there?

When is the last time someone 'spoke the truth in love' to you? How did you respond?