Scholar John Dickson wrote, “’humility’ (humilitas in Latin; tapeinos in Greek) was not a virtue in Graeco Roman ethics … In its place was philotimia, “the love of honour.” Aristotle had insisted that “honour” and “reputation” are among the pleasantest things one could contemplate and attain for oneself.” In that setting, it was striking that Ephesians said
“humility, gentleness and patience” are among God’s key qualities for building a healthy spiritual body.

• Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13 about love as the crucial environment in which we use God’s gifts and do God’s work. To the Ephesians also he said our diversity of gifts is most useful when we do our varied tasks in a spirit of unity, as one body. In what ways have you seen differences in gifts and passions strain the body’s unity? What practical steps help to maintain unity among people with very different gifts?
• Paul never saw the work God calls us to as a burden. He used words that evoke high adventure and grand privilege: “I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God” (verse 1). When have you experienced the work you do for God as noble, fulfilling and exhilarating? What helps you to extend that sense of high calling to even routine tasks?