Unity of the Spirit
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:1-6
Live a life worthy of the calling you have received… Keep the unity of the Spirit …
Ephesians 4:1,3
To have a “calling” is a special thing. Having a calling means being on a mission and having a purpose to accomplish specific goals. Paul’s admonition to the Ephesians is a challenge “to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” All Christians are called to be faithful to the mission and purpose God has given them.
Life is not perfect, and neither are we. Fortunately God does not demand that we accomplish our calling perfectly.
But the Lord does want our life infused with the purpose and passion of our calling. As a church confession makes clear, my purpose is to demonstrate this reality: “I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 1). To live a life that reflects my total ownership by Christ is my highest calling.
One of the main ways we are to do that is suggested in these words: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Although the global church has experienced, and continues to experience, much division and disagreement, the goal is to keep the unity of the Spirit and to live by that guiding principle.
This is what God wants, and that makes it our calling. It’s what we strive for and what gives us motivation.
Dear Lord, may your calling in us be affirmed and strengthened. By the power of your Spirit in us, help us to be a people committed to the unity of the Spirit. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Peter Borgdorff
Dr. Peter Borgdorff has been a pastor and administrator in the Christian Reformed Church for 40 years, most recently serving as executive director till his retirement in 2006. He and his wife, Janet, have five children and 14 grandchildren.
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