No Lounging in Christ (Pt. 2) - Damon J. Gray

The Greek adverb, αξιως (axios), is translated as “worthy of” in all of its six NASB New Testament occurrences, and five of those six instances are directly tied to our walking in a manner worthy of God, worthy of the gospel of Christ, or worthy of our heavenly calling.

Just as we walk in the Spirit rather than lounge around in the Spirit, Christ-followers walk with intent, taking calculated steps in prudent, purposeful living. There is no aimlessness in the life of a disciple of Christ. Rather, every activity of our daily walk is an expression of the glory, majesty, and worthiness of our God.

…walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. – 1 Thessalonians 2:12b, NASB

I do not align with those who interpret this call to a walk worthy of God as one which infuses us with merit, or deservedness. Rather, this is a call to conduct ourselves in a way that speaks well of the God we serve.

Walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. – Ephesians 4:1, NASB

When my eldest son was preparing to leave home to attend the University of Washington, I had a “dad talk” with him, and in that talk one thing I emphasized was, “Never forget that you are Sheridan Gray.” I was not concerned that he would actually forget his name. No, I was cautioning him to remember that his name and reputation are inexorably tied to the way he walks through his days.

Similarly, never forget that you are a child of God, that you wear the name of Christ. Our actions as Christ-followers are a direct reflection on the name of Yeshua. Because of that we conduct ourselves in accord with that name, and with his gospel.

Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. – Philippians 1:27, NASB

When we read or hear the phrases, walk worthy of the gospel, worthy of the Lord, worthy of God, and worthy of our calling, these are calls for us to live in a manner befitting the majesty of God, the gospel, and our calling.

Finally, because we walk with intent, there are consequences to that walk. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction if you will. We are doers of the word (James 1:22), and as such our lives bear fruit – spiritual fruit.

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. – Colossians 1:10, NASB

Next week we will look more closely at the fruit-bearing aspect of walking worthily. For now, I’ll just encourage you with this word from John:

You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. – 3 John 1:6, NASB