A Lifestyle of Community
Ephesians 4:4-7, 14-16, 25-32
Why is God showing you this lesson now?
In verses 25-32, Paul gave several commands regarding our actions and our attitudes that reflect our oneness and community in Christ. For example, we should not procrastinate when it comes to settling a dispute with another Christian.
You do not need to pray, “Lord, if there is someone I need to forgive, show me.” You see, the Holy Spirit has already pointed that person out to you because it is His desire that you be reconciled. We should not pretend that we do not know whom we need to forgive or of whom we need to ask forgiveness.
If you are into making New Year’s Resolutions, let your first resolution be to do everything in your power to repair any broken relationships that exist in your life. If you don’t make resolutions at the beginning of the year, forgive others because God has forgiven you.
God’s plan for believers is that they grow in their faith through community, interaction and involvement with other believers with whom they have meaningful relationships.
How does this lesson connect to what God is doing in and around you?
Paul reminds us in verses 14-16 that there is diversity within the church because God imparts His grace to us in different ways. In whatever ways God has gifted and equipped us, we are to help one another grow in Christ, speaking the truth in love and supporting one another.
It has been said that people fall into basically one of three categories: graspers, getters and givers. Any important relationship, marriage or otherwise, is a two-way street. When all we are care about in a relationship is “What’s in it for me?” we use the relationship to satisfy ourselves and lose our joy.
Your church’s affiliation with, and support of, the state convention and the local association provide a wonderful opportunity for you to demonstrate the kind of unity that should permeate the Christian community. Community does not happen automatically; it is something we must cultivate and nurture to the end that our Heavenly Father is glorified.
Take a moment and read John 17:20-26. As you read, realize that you are actually listening to Jesus pray! Hear His heart for unity among us! This unity gives God glory!
Rick Astle– Lessons by Rick Astle, director of missions for Waccamaw Baptist Association. Astle is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and Southern Seminary. He is the author of two books and lives in Conway.