Today, begin by reading Ephesians 4:1–16.
- According to these verses, what does it look like to be unified with other believers?
- What do these verses tell us is at stake for us in being mature in our relationship with the Lord?
WHAT IS AT STAKE?
When we say yes to being an active participant in God’s Kingdom, we get to be a part of something that is much greater than ourselves. Not only do we get to experience growth and maturity because of other believers, but we also get to be a source of growth for others. Ephesians 4:15 promises that when we act in love, we are actually moving one another towards being like Christ. Then, in verse 16, there is another promise of a body that is fruitful and growing because we are all participating in the work believers are called to do.
This is where our study, Living a Small Life, comes full circle. When we humble ourselves to live in fear of the Lord and obey his commands, we recognize that life is not about us, we submit ourselves to the work the Lord has for us, and we become active participants in the body of Christ. Then, we truly begin to understand what it means to live with our hope set on eternity.
Together, we can be a group of believers who are not bogged down by worry and anxiety about the future. With our hearts and minds set on Christ, we can be free from shame and regret. Success, knowledge, popularity, marriage, wealth—none of that has power over us. When we live our days focused on loving others and obeying God’s commands, we find freedom.
Instead, we get to be a part of God’s chosen people who are humble and gentle, patient with one another, loving each other through hardships and faults, and pursuing peace as a unified body. Let’s read these final words from Hebrews 10:35–39 and be encouraged for the hope and joy that come from living a small, but faithful life.
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
What changes do you need to make in order to start living a small, more faithful life today?