Live Like a Christian

A couple of weeks ago I  taught on Ephesians 4:1-14 at my church women’s Bible Study and it’s got me thinking about what it means to really live like a Christian.

In college, I met gals who professed their faith in Christ, but six beers later they sure didn’t seem like it.

In my 20’s I met Christians who professed their love for Jesus, but their shiny new BMWs and hefty credit card bills revealed that perhaps they loved something else a little bit more.

As a mom, I have met women who know Christ as their Savior but rarely–if ever–spend time with Him, much less share their love for Jesus with others.

In ministry, I have rubbed shoulders with gals eager to serve but their “work for God” is done out of duty, obligation, a desire to control, or a quest to be noticed.

But, according to Ephesians 4 living like a real Christian has nothing to do with any of these things.  And, truth be told, what it does say is pretty darn convicting. Here’s what the first 3 verses say:

^“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

What does it mean for me to really live like a Christian?  Well, for starters, it isn’t so much about doing as it is about being.  Being humble, for instance. Being gentle.  Being patient.  Being loving and making the effort to keep my relationship harmonious.

So I have to ask myself: “Based on what God says, do I live like a Christian?”

Oh.

My.

Not always.

This year Ephesians 4:1 has been my constant prayer.  “Lord, help me live a life worthy of my calling” has been my (almost) daily prayer.  It is the true desire of my heart.  So as I pray this for myself I must reflect on what this means.  It means that God will give me “opportunities” to be humble.  He’ll certainly give me “opportunities” to be gentle.  They’ll be “opportunities” to be patient and loving and unified.

But this also means these same “opportunities” can easily become excuses to behave otherwise.

It all depends on whether or not I choose to live like a Christian.

Lord Jesus,  You have called me to be your own.  You paid the price for me to be part of your family.  I am choosen, blessed and never without You by my side.  You want me to walk worthy of my calling. You want me to walk in a way that is consistent with who You are and with who I am in You.  Lord, I want this, too.  Help me to walk in a manner worthy of my calling.  Help me to be humble with those around me; to be gentle and patient when circumstances don’t go as planned; to make every effort to be at peace with every person You have placed in my life.  Help me to really live like a Christian and may others see You in me. Amen.