There are some who erroneously think that baptism is the end all to being a Christian. The “once saved, always saved” belief may reside in such individuals. However, there are standards and principles to follow, and these can be found in the Bible.
Christians are to grow and mature in Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Paul said there was a need for the perfecting of the saints (Ephesians 4:12), and also in the same verse for the edifying of the body of Christ. He also told the Ephesians “for ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” (Ephesians 5:8)
Just as there are expectations or standards for people in different roles, there is a need to live a life that is befitting of a Christian. Paul talks about how one may live such a life worthy of the vocation whereby we are called and conduct oneself in Ephesians 4:1-3.
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)
One Must Live with Lowliness and Meekness
Lowliness is defined as humility. A Christian’s life is characterised by lowliness or humility. One must not be proud because “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) Instead, one should bring himself down like Jesus in humbling Himself even though He was the Son of God. Paul said to “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
James, the brother of Jesus, wrote that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Peter, a close apostle of Jesus, wrote of the need for younger Christians to submit to those who are older, for all to be subject to one another, and to be clothed with humility (1 Peter 5:5). If I am humble, I will realise the great need to depend on God and thus, I will submit myself to God and cast all my care upon Him (1 Peter 5:6-7).
Meekness is defined as gentleness, mildness. Jesus said that He was meek and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29). In His sermon on the Mount, Jesus said “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5). Not only did Paul say that Jesus was gentle and meek (2 Corinthians 10:1), but he also told Titus to be gentle and show all meekness to all men (Titus 3:2).
When we are gentle in our disposition to men, we display Christ-likeness. We may be in a better position to win souls. Lowliness and meekness go hand-in-hand as we are not haughty, brash, or rough. Instead, we consider others and put others above self.
One Must Be Longsuffering and Have Forbearance
Longsuffering is defined by Thayer as having “patience, endurance, perseverance”. In short, this means to suffer long. Paul declared that God is longsuffering (Romans 2:4). Peter spoke of the longsuffering of God, that He desires all mankind to be saved (2 Peter 3:9). He also gave the example of how God was patient and longsuffering in the days of Noah (1 Peter 3:20). Truly, as we preach the word to others, there may be times whereby hearts are hardened. Nevertheless, we continue to exhort others with longsuffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 2:4). Jesus also spoke of the need to walk the extra mile with others (Matthew 5:41).
To forbear is to hold up, to bear, to endure, to sustain. We need to forbear one another in the Church. We all have different quirks, personalities, and habits. Paul spoke of the need to forbear and forgive one another, just as how Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13). The work in saving souls and running the Christian race are fraught with challenges, but there is a need to endure and to finish the race (1 Corinthians 4:12). Paul also said that forbearance is done in love and we understand it to be agape love (Ephesians 4:2).
One Must Endeavour to Keep Unity
To endeavour is to hasten, to give diligence. Brethren must be united in biblical teachings and peace is able to achieve this. We have to live peaceably with one another (Romans 12:18). Christ is the head of the body which is the Church, and there should not be any divisions in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Brethren, the world is looking at us. Let us be mindful of how we live our lives and the need to walk worthy of the vocation which we are called.
Ask Yourself:
How did Paul say Christians ought to live?
Why is humility important?
What are some ways we can help brethren to walk worthily of the vocation wherewith we are called?
Suggested Answers:
Live with lowliness and meekness, be longsuffering, have forbearance, and endeavour to keep unity in peace.
Being humble will enable one to realise that he cannot do anything without God and that there is a need to submit oneself to God and to depend on Him.
You may discuss this with the writer or any Bible class teacher.