For the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18–25), the members of the NC Conference Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships (CUIR) committee are sharing daily devotions rooted in Ephesians 4.

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Day 1 – Ephesians 4:1
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.

The smaller of the two churches I serve is in regular contact with two incarcerated persons and one who has been recently released. When we hear from them, they are deeply appreciative of the concern that we have for them and the efforts we make to reach out. I imagine that the apostle Paul, mindful of the connection that he had with those “on the outside,” felt the same way. It is perhaps a deeper way of understanding that we, as followers of Christ, are all in this together. For that reason, he gives a word of advice on how to conduct ourselves in the world.

Paul says, “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” What does that mean for us? If we walk in the light of God, in the light of his Son, and according to his Spirit, we will naturally want to glorify God in our daily lives. Beyond simply keeping our feet on the straight and narrow, we will want to have a positive impact on the people, and the world, around us. A word of encouragement is always in order. A well-intentioned prayer is always in order. A kindly act is always in order. Giving voice to the voiceless is always in order. Going the extra mile is always in order.

We do these things not to earn a name for ourselves, but because we have seen the results in lives uplifted and changed, of hope renewed, of relationships restored. This, we know, is what Christ was about—restoring us to our right relationship with God and keeping us aware of those around us who are also his children, and therefore our sisters and brothers.

The two churches I serve are different in size, in temperament, and in worship styles, yet they gladly support each other’s activities and are both eager to reach out into the wider community. I am thankful for their heartfelt love for all around.

A Question to Consider

How does reflecting on the “calling to which you have been called” as described in Ephesians 4:1 inspire you to actively contribute to unity within your local and wider church communities?

Prayer

God of light,
you have called us out of darkness into your light.
May our response to your call lead us to actively seek reconciliation
and share your light in the world.
Amen.

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