WORTHY LIVING

What does it mean to live a life worthy of the calling we have received? That question will guide our gospel meeting this week. This theme comes from Paul’s appeal in Ephesians 4:1 where Paul urges Christians to consider whether their daily lives reflect the calling they have received through the gospel. He writes, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” We belong to Christ, and that relationship should shape our choices, attitudes, relationships, and purpose.

The word “therefore” connects this appeal to everything Paul has already written about God’s grace, redemption through Christ’s blood, and the blessings found in Him. Worthy living grows out of an understanding of what God has done for us. We cannot earn the sacrifice of Jesus, nor can we place God in our debt. Yet His grace calls for a faithful response to the Gospel through obedience. Having received such mercy, we should desire to live in a way that honors the One who extended it.

Colossians 1:10 strengthens this thought beautifully. Paul prayed that Christians “might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Here, worthy living becomes something we can examine in everyday life. Perhaps we should be asking ourselves: Are we seeking to please the Lord? Are we bearing fruit through good works? Are we growing in our knowledge of God?

Those questions reach beyond the pew. They follow us home, to work, to school, even into our conversations. A worthy walk is more than just the way we treat our families. It has to do with the honesty with which we conduct our business, the compassion we show toward someone who needs help, and sharing the Good News of the Gospel. Knowing God’s Word should shape our lives more and more every day. Ephesians 4:1 makes that especially clear. Paul writes, “all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love,” urging us to keep “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2–3). Sometimes our faithfulness is revealed in how we respond when someone disappoints us, disagrees with us, or needs more patience than we expected to give. Faithful, worthy living requires humility, patience, and love, which are inseparable from a worthy life.

Paul also writes, “Only let your conversation (manner of life) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).Our conduct should agree with the gospel we confess. The grace that brings salvation teaches us to turn away from ungodliness and to “live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world”(Titus 2:11–12).

Brethren, this meeting gives us an opportunity to examine our walk with the Lord and strengthen our commitment to Christ and His church. So let us, with open Bibles, open minds, and humble hearts, desire to grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

~ Casey Clement

PS. Pray for Keden this week as he preaches God’s Word, and make room in your schedule to invite someone to attend. May the lessons we hear bear fruit in the lives we live, and may we walk worthy of our calling.