In the French novel The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, the fictional heroes have a memorable motto: “All for one and one for all.” The group pledged to stand together in their common fight for a common goal. As I thought about Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, I realized he was trying to get the Ephesian church to adopt a similar motto of unity.

As believers we are united by our joint calling as Christ’s followers. Paul urges the Ephesians to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (v. 1). In the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul had laid a foundation of biblical doctrine. Now, in chapter 4, he challenges them that how they are living should be an outpouring of what they believe.

Our calling changes our behavior. Notice the words Paul uses to describe this desired behavior in verses 2 and 3: humble, gentle, patient, unity, peace. We are united as believers through Christ’s death and resurrection and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When Paul says to “make every effort” in verse 3, he means that we should put energy into preserving this unity. In other words, the Spirit is the source of unity among believers, but it is our responsibility to “guard” or protect this unity (v. 3).

Paul goes into detail to illustrate the common beliefs we share. The word “one” appears over and over again: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (vv. 4–6). All for One, Lord Jesus.

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