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`forget' in the other, our walk must be the meeker, and the lowlier for it. Then think of
the humbling effect of such a passage as this:
"Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this
calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with
power: that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you" (II Thess. 1: 11,
12).
Finally, what an effect upon our walk and our attitude to others such a passage as
II Tim. 1: 19 should have:
"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works,
but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before
the age times."
Let us remember our calling, and seeing its grace and its glory, seek to walk worthy of
it "that the name of the Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified".
No.70.
The Practical Section (4: - 6:).
The Walk and its Characteristics
(4: 2).
pp. 221 - 223
A frame of mind, a spiritual graciousness, is necessary before it is possible to attempt
to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of the peace.
"With all lowliness, and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in
love" (Eph. 4: 2).
The word `lowliness' is better rendered `humility of mind', which brings out more
clearly the contrast of verse 17, "vanity of mind". This word is so translated in
Acts 20: 19, where the Apostle says:
"Serving the Lord with all humility of mind."
We can imagine that some, nay many, if they had received the calling and commission
of the Apostle Paul, would have displayed arrogance of mind, haughtiness, a temper that
would not brook denial or misrepresentation. If we would understand the causes that
combined together to make the change from Saul the Pharisee, `breathing out
threatenings and slaughter', to the humble, despised, faithful bond-servant of Christ, we
must follow his steps as recorded in the Acts and the Epistles, and realize that only a
close fellowship with the Son of God makes such a change either possible or permanent.
Unity without humility is hopelessly impossible.