The Christian life can be summed up in this statement: “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1 cf. Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). The Gospel call brings you into Christ and into “one body” with its many members. Your spiritual unity with these other members is a core reality established by God Himself. You all were raised to sit together with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). At the same time, life on earth is also a reality. Members with different personalities and backgrounds work out their day-by-day relationships—which is the point of the rest of the sentence.
Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Walk in a worthy manner.
“Eager” is also translated to be diligent, to strive and to make every effort. Marriage illustrates this principle well. When a man and woman make the marriage commitment, the core of their marriage is a spiritual reality, for God joins them together (Mark 10:9). Yet, at an earthly level, there is work to be done (Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Corinthians 7:1-40; Colossians 3:18-19; Titus 2:4-5; 1 Peter 3:1-7). Spouses bring to the marriage their respective personalities, experiences and habits. Even with the best good will, the relationship will have stresses, even clashes. Marriage is like a garden. Unless it is tended, weeds take over. Growing a strong marriage requires constant attention and effort. Likewise, keeping unity in Christ’s body requires careful consideration and effort.