Walk worthy of your calling
There is a calling given to Christians in the New Testament book of Ephesians chapter 4 by Paul the apostle:
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…”
Walking Worthy
What does it mean to walk worthy? The original Greek word used here means literally “weight for weight”, or “equal measure.”
This command calls us to live our lives in a way that is worth the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. The truth is, we can’t do this in our own strength. See the first 3 chapters of the book of Ephesians to understand the reality of our salvation. We are saved by His grace alone.
When it comes to our call to live our lives worthy, we must live as we were saved: by grace alone. However, that does not mean that we can sit back and fail to do what we know we are called to do. I’m not interested in simply discussing the theology of salvation and not living like I believe it.
Do the Right Thing
James 4:17 says, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
If I know that it’s right to spend time in the Word, for me to fail to do that is sin. If I know that it’s right to love and lead my wife and children, for me to fail to do that is sin. Fill in the blank with the things in your life that you know to be the “right thing.”
It’s so easy in today’s culture to be lulled into being the victim. We tell ourselves, “My job keeps me too busy to invest time with my kids”, or “I stayed up too late to get up and spend time in the Word.”
The first step to walking worthy may be for you to simply realize that by failing to do the right thing, it’s not just a “whoops, I messed up…”. It is sin. Now, there is grace for that. God still loves us even when we sin. But the Christian has a new heart given to him by God that doesn’t desire sin. It’s that new heart that I’m speaking to. Recognize inaction and passivity for what it is.
More than Conquerors
As a Christian, the identity of “victim” should repelling to you. When you try to lay hold of it, it should avoid you like two opposing magnets repel each other. Yet so many people today, even Christians, are content to sit back and feel sorry for themselves. It’s a shame, and I hate to see it. Especially when I do it in my own life.
Paul tells us the truth in Romans 8:37: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
That is our true identity. In Christ, we are not victims. We are not just conquerors. We are more than conquerors. If conquerors are those who win, Christians are even more than that.
Jesus says in Matthew 28 that “all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Me.” He is the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Beginning and End of all things. You, Christian, are positioned in Him. He is your strong tower. When you are in Him, you have everything you need to live a godly life.
Speak Truth
The word you speak to yourself are more important than you know. What you tell yourself can shape your identity, or at least your perception of your identity.
Your beliefs about your identity have an influence on how you conduct yourself throughout your day. For example:
If you believe, “I’m not a morning person”, you’ll have a hard time waking up in the morning.
If you believe, “This situation is too hard for me to handle”, you’ll have a hard time even trying.
If you believe, “I can’t escape this sin/addiction”, you are standing in the way of the Holy Spirit’s sanctification that He wants to work in your life.
Rather than letting these lies build your perception of your identity, let God’s truth shape your beliefs about who you are. Read and memorize Scripture that tells you who you are in Him. Make it part of your daily routine to proclaim and stand upon truth.
Conclusion
I encourage you, Christian, that you are not excused from walking worthy because your life circumstances are difficult. Although it may feel like an impossible task, all things are possible through Christ. He has given you all that you need. Stand on the Truth of God’s Word. Let that Truth shape your identity. Live like you are more than a conqueror.
Walk worthy today.
Until next time,
Be a warrior…
Stand in the breach…
Hold the line…
- Isaac C.