Walking Worthily of Our Calling
"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." Eph 4:1 (ESV)
In the book of Ephesians, Paul lays out a vision for the church that embodies their missionary identity. Their "calling" that he references in this verse is their calling to bear witness to the risen Jesus in word and deed, and through the life of their community to embody the Kingdom of God. Paul urges them to "walk worthily" of their calling, to live in such a way that reflects the nature of their calling from God.
On this vision Sunday, as we prepare in the coming year to return to our building, what is our calling? What does it mean for us to walk worthily of our calling as Third Church? In one sense, our calling is the same as the church of Ephesus and every Christian congregation in history: to bear witness to the risen Jesus. And yet we live in a very different time and place than these early Christians. Beyond our general calling, what is the specific calling that God has given us as Third Church?
This Sunday we'll reflect together on some of the specific aspects of our calling that God has given us for the years to come, and recommit together to the walk in a way that is worthy of it.
Ephesians 4:1-6
4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.