In verse one we discussed what our vocation was, and now in verse two Paul begins to delve into to the details of how we are to walk in our vocation.  Ephesians 4:2 says:  “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”

With lowliness and meekness, longsuffering and forbearing one another in love.   Wow, our vocation is to have these traits.  This is to be our demeanor as we walk the Christian life.  As I look over what God has called me to do, I start to ask myself, do I exemplify these characteristics in my vocation(s)?

Lowliness.  The lexicon defines this as having a humble opinion of oneself; a deep sense of one’s littleness.  So often I compare myself to others and what I can do or have done instead of comparing myself to the Creator.  How often do we lift ourselves up because of our job, or finances, or our “network” of friends?  How often does pride get in the way of being humble?  Far too often I am afraid.  Let your mind wander a little and think of your vocation, your calling from God.  Do you see more pride than humility?  Even in our primary calling of being followers of Christ, I can see where my pride inches in.  I’ve grown up in a Christian home, went to Christian colleges, have been a steady active member of a Bible believing church, read my Bible, have more Bible knowledge than most pastors in third world countries and many even in this country.  It is easy to become prideful and push off humility even when it comes to our spirituality and our relationship with God.  Let’s be honest with ourselves, it can be so easy to unknowingly become like the Pharisee and say I thank my God that I am not like…

I have given this example before but find it appropriate to do so again.  Take a grain of salt and place it in your hand, go ahead, get some salt…..  Now, imagine that single grain is our universe and you and I are on the earth inside that universe.  Now imagine your hand is the finger tip of God.  Do we now get a deeper sense of our littleness? 

So how are you doing in lowliness in humility?  Can you see it in your Christian walk?  More importantly can others?  What about the other secondary vocations you have been called to do?  Are you a husband, father, employee, church member, neighbor?  Do others see humility in your life as you live out these callings?  I’m afraid I can say for me, at times yes, at other times, not so much.

Oh that I would not forget who I was, a sinner deserving of Hell.  A sinner, who, left to my own devices would be living a life of vile debauchery and spitting in the face of God at every opportunity.  Without the Lord, I’d have to look up to see the bottom.  But thanks be to God for His endless love.  The one and only Holy God that reached down and drew me near to Him has shed His grace and mercy on me that now I can say with confidence and joy, I am a child of THE King.