Walk This Way

GETTING STARTED

One of my favorite descriptions of the Christian life is that it is “a long walk in the same direction.” Some are farther along the path than others, but all of us are headed in the same direction. We live in a world that values diversity and individuality. Too often, this results in divided directions that lead to fractured relationships and a “me-first” way of looking at life. Christians have been called to one particular path that leads to one God, and it is important that we walk in one direction, in a Christ-like way.

  • Think about your life as a long path; in what direction are you headed? Are you consistently on the same path? Does your walk look different than that of those who don’t follow Christ?

READ THE WORD: EPHESIANS 4:1-6 (ESV)

4 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.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. What did Paul urge believers in Christ to do (vs. 1)?
  2. What should be our attitude as we do this (vss. 2-3)?
  3. What are the “ones” that Paul points out (vss. 4-6)?
  4. Why do you think Paul puts such importance in the unity of believers?
  5. Which of these attitudes is the hardest for you to live out?

RESPOND TO GOD

When we call ourselves Christians, we must live and act in a way that honors Christ’s name. What do people see when they watch us walk? Walking can be steps that propel us forward, or move us backward. Take a step forward with humility; a step backward with pride. Another step forward with gentleness and patience; one step back with indifference, or frustration. A huge step forward with cooperation; a giant step back with divisiveness. When people watch, do they see Christians walking together, unified towards the same end, walking toward our one God and Father?

  • Ask God to increase humility, gentleness, patience, love, and peace in you.
  • Ask God for unity among believers in our church, our city, our nation, and the world.