The Place to Be #13

 Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.  

Paul had spent the first half of his letter painting the picture of the plan of God for His Church. He had sent His Son as a ransom to buy a people back - a people made up of Jews and Gentiles. This people He was making into a beautiful building for His presence.  But this building was a living building with each person doing their part, working together as one.  Paul begins by reminding them of his predicament: he was not able to be together with them. He was stuck in prison, unable to experience the full joy of being with God's people.  He therefore challenged them to hold onto this great plan God had devised, doing all they could in their relationship to maintain this oneness.  It requires a humble spirit, gentle words, a patient disposition, and a love that can only come from Christ. We also need to remember that the triune God is watching over us, and it all really belongs to Him anyway.  Let's carry out His plan, not destroy it.