“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all”. (Ephesians 4:4-7)
Last week our two choirs, Wesley and Cathedral, went on the road and sang at Highwater Church, the home church of Larry McGruder, near Johnstown, Ohio. The text above is from Ephesians Chapter 4 and is the source of the text for Craig Courtney’s great choral anthem, One Faith, One Hope, One Lord published in 1989. Beyond the music is the message. The message is unity in the Body – the church – through belief in Jesus Christ.
However, unity in the church or in any organization is elusive without humility. Humility is mentioned in verse 2 and 3 of this week’s passage-
“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace:” but modifies a portion of verse 1 which says “…walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…”
Humility may be in short supply as we continue our kindness campaign in an emotionally charged political season. However, we all know that humility is a virtue, but it is more than that. It is a spiritual discipline, but it is more than that. Humility is a decision to use the fruit of the spirit, which we can find in Galatians 5:22, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control as a guiding principle of life.
In the sermon this week, we will hear about intentional acts of humility, which are countercultural in the world. We like brash and flashy. In the early season of Christian life, the church worked diligently in “outshowing each other in love”. An early statement was “See those Christians, see how they love one another”. This will lead you to discern for yourself your own level of humility in the practice of your faith and life. In addition, will you embrace humility in your campaign of kindness as you navigate this season in our corporate life?
Pastor Todd