Do you have a sense of meaning in your life? Does your behavior make people think of you as ordinary? Are you intentionally living up to your calling? In this passage, Paul helps us focus on our ability to live “Out of the Ordinary.”

God asks more of us than to simply be present in the world; rather, we must live up to our potential. We have all received a specific calling and unique abilities. These are the traits that help us live out the purpose in our lives. This purpose might be found in our career, in leadership, or through hospitality, caregiving and other forms of helping people.

In this passage, Paul urges us to “live worthy of our calling.” By not knowing or living out our calling, we serve neither God nor ourselves.

Paul also urges us to live out our calling intentionally, with humility, gentleness and patience. We must understand how we are presenting ourselves and how others see us. Sometimes the hardest part is to not get aggravated with others. We need to take a step back and look at them through the eyes of patience.

Controlling our behavior is not something we can do halfheartedly. Paul calls us to live out our calling by “making every effort.” We live out of the ordinary by living with the goal of unity in the Spirit.

This short passage from Paul challenges us to live “out of the ordinary” in the practical matters of life.

• Know your unique calling. If you don’t know your calling, then seek to discover it.
• Others are always watching, so practice your calling with humility, gentleness and patience.
• Be intentional about seeking the unity of the Spirit.

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Do you know your calling?
2. Are you living worthy of your calling with humility, gentleness and patience?
3. What is one thing you will do today to live out your calling?