We’ve Been Made Worthy, Now Walk That Way
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV Read More
The awesome thing about the grace of God, the way He has forgiven all of our sins ahead of time, is that to “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling” is out of gratitude and love rather than fear. How do we do anything worthy of God? His ways are higher than the highest tower, loftier than the greatest of goals, and holier than the most spiritual holy thing ever!
“Walk in a manner worthy.”
How would we even come close to being worthy of God, much less to walk in it, which means to continuously be in the living process of worthiness?
He doesn’t leave us lost. He tells us how. With all humility and gentleness, with patience we bear with one another in love. All three of those things require other people. We can’t do those things in isolation.
Humility – We aren’t proud and we don’t exalt ourselves over others. As we consider others’ needs over our own, we reflect the love of God to others.
Gentleness – The default setting of most of us is harshness. I want what I want and if you’re in my way I’ll bark till I get it. Without self-control, without consideration of others, we lose our gentleness. Someone that is in self-preservation mode and can’t find rest is seldom gentle. Being gentle with others flows out of a restful life that is confident in Christ.
Patience – If you’ve never had to wait for anything, or put up with anyone, or not have your entire will done for you instantly, you have experienced patience. God has done all of these things to the extreme. He has shown us patience and forbearance as we often take a long long time to figure out His will, much less obey it.
As we do those things, we aren’t earning credibility with God. We are earning credibility FOR God. We are being a people of God that are patient, gentle, and humble. None of those things mean powerless or stupid. We can be the priestly people that He calls us to be and still be mighty and bold.
As we do those things together, we build unity. As we are humble, we don’t object to the way another person walks out their faith in Christ. As we are gentle, we don’t smash somebody over the head when the stumble in sin. As we are patient, we don’t pressure our friends to hurry up and get to church. We walk along with them and preserve the friendship until there is a breakthrough.
Walking worthy of our calling isn’t impossible. It’s right there before us with each step we take.