A WORTHY WALK (2)

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to WALK WORTHY of the CALLING with which you were called” – Ephesians 4:1

The Believer in Christ carries a personal calling and responsibility for a WORTHY WALK with God: “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to WALK WORTHY of the CALLING with which you were called” (Eph.4:1). Walking worthy of our calling is not like taking a casual stroll. It is a deliberate decision, an intentional action based on absolute allegiance to and positioning in Christ. Paul described himself as “the prisoner” or bond-servant of the Lord – totally sold-out, a living sacrifice! Being positioned “in Christ” implies that we have the power to crush the head of the enemy as we walk in true faith. Walking worthy is a Faith walk, a Power walk: “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the Victory that has overcome the world – our Faith” (1Jh.5:4).

The worthy walk is the Believer walking in the power that’s been bestowed because of the One Who saved us and called us. The faith that positioned us in Christ also endows us with abilities beyond ourselves and our own capacities and capabilities. Faith in Christ sets us up to manifest the mandate and call of God’s Word to walk worthy. We have the God-given ability to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which we were called. It doesn’t help to have Jesus on our bumper sticker if He is not behind the wheel of our lives! Walking worthy is letting Jesus take pre-eminent position in our lives. Then, ours will be a victorious power walk that tramples the plans of the enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy in our marriages, families, churches, and communities.

This instruction to live a worthy life – a life that is honouring and pleasing to God and value-adding to humanity, was one of Paul’s regular themes in his letters. He wrote in Philippians 1:27, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ...” The Gospel we seek to DECLARE is first manifest in what we DISPLAY! In other words, our deeds – either good or bad – validate our words. Our walk matters a great deal because we are witnesses at all times and in all places! Our walk – our behaviour, communication, conversation, conduct, and relationships – must always glorify the Saviour we represent. By His Grace, we shall not fall short!

For many people, living a life that is worthy of God seems like an impossible goal. Yet this is what is expected of Christ’s disciples. The Scripture gives us clues on how this can become our reality. Having urged the believers to walk worthy, Paul proceeded to tell us to be humble, gentle, patient, put up with each other, and make every effort to live in peace. Followed by a long list of things for which there is only one: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father. If I am called to be a part of a body, I walk worthy of my calling by doing my best as that part, losing myself for the good of the body.

Walking worthy as a part of Christ’s Body is contrary to our nature. What is demanded is: Being humble, patient, bearing with other body parts in love, and endeavoruing to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (vv.2-3). All of these concern interpersonal relationships; looking to put the interests of the Body ahead of self. The starting place is to know what God wants of us. Then, His Spirit will empower us to walk worthy. It starts in the place of prayer, asking that God would reveal His will to us and empower us to fulfil it. We must listen for His specific response, and be willing to follow the direction He gives. That sometimes can be challenging, especially when it disagrees with what we want to do and/or be. When His Will does not coincide with ours, which is often the case, we are left with a choice: please God and walk worthy, or please self.