Walk in the Manner Worthy
Reading Plan — Ephesians 4:1-3
Introduction.
… walk in the manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Ephesians 4:1 ESV.
Paul is in prison for his faith and will eventually be murdered — executed. He walked in the manner worthy of his calling and urges us to do the same — take the same path. Maybe we will not be persecuted as he was, but this doesn’t change our commitment to the faith or how we represent ourselves to the world.
Living daily in the manner of your calling will strengthen your faith, cultivate your love relationship with Christ, and you will be his walking witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit.
You are in the world, but not of it.
Discussion
There are only two kinds of people on earth: once-born and second born. Your lifestyle will reflect where you stand. The word clearly describes the once-born:
They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness, all the foundations of the earth are shaken. Psalm 82:5 ESV.
Without knowledge, they are deceived and deceiving others. Without understanding, grieve the darkness, curse a greater power, and tremble in their shaken foundation. They stumble in the darkness and know not why.
True knowledge and understand comes to us as we walk in the Spirit, as He teaches us from sacred Scripture. We, as children of Light, shining like a great light on a hill. Our foundation and destiny are secure.
Walking in the calling.
God has called us to Himself. This call is significant and gracious. We are blessed, in the calling, with every spiritual blessing. Additionally, we united in one body and one Spirit, one hope — one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. We walk in the stronghold of God Himself, who is over all, through all, and in all.
We are a set apart people walking worthy of our calling.
What now?
Let’s take a closer look at Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV):
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
The uninformed and immature Christian may read this passage and think they must do something — strive to be humble, unselfish, gentle, and mild. They may try to be patient with one another and making allowances because of love. They may even struggle to guard and keep the peace.
The truth is we do not need to strive, sacrifice, or struggle. We need only heed the call of the Caller.
God’s way is gentle, and He is abounding in love. He sent the Lord Jesus to redeem us and reconcile us to Himself, the indwelling Holy Spirit leads, guides, counsels, and transforms us. When the world tries to crash in on us, He is our Shield and Protector.
He walks with you.
He who calls us to Himself helps us remain and learn from Him. In the calling, we are safe as long as we walk with Him.
How is it Possible?
The gentle hand of the Lord is correcting and instructing us, produces gentleness in our soul as we confront those who require help.
If someone tries to put you down, you then respond in love because the Lover of your soul has shown you His great love. The Lord your God is with you and helps you maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
His presence makes all the difference in the world.
When we were called, we came to Him, and now we remain in Him. Our yielded heart is shaped to fit perfectly in His hand. In the light of His love, the Holy Spirit leads, helps, counsels, corrects, and so much more.
Abundant Life
We are called to live “with God” in an abundant life: “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10).
The abundant life is a life with God. It is unhurried, peaceful, powerful. It is calm, simple, solid, secure and radiant. Without this life, it is impossible to walk in the manner worthy of your calling.
Being a Christian is not an overnight success. Consistent fellowship with the Lord and seeking His presence makes all the difference in the world. It is the authentic Christian way of life.
God calls us to an abundant life. Let us walk in it — yoked to the Lord.
Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and my burden light. Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV).
Two oxen yoked together always walk as one.
Called
Abundant life! This is our call, to come to Him, live with Him and walk in His ways and will. This is the way to the ancient paths of those who’ve gone before us.
This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls…” Jeremiah 6:16a ESV.
Let’s not forget that we also call on the Lord. Calling to Him allows Him to come and makes Himself known to you. Calling to Him with all your heart helps you to enter into the heartfelt relationships you so desire.
As you walk with Him, you call to Him, and He listens. He speaks and you listen. Here’s the ancient path — walk in it.
I call on you, my God, for you will answer me, turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 17:6 ESV.
This is what the LORD says, He who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it — the Lord is His name: “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:2-3 ESV.
Lead
The One who calls you leads you into that calling. The beauty of our lifelong relationship with the Lord is that He prepares and equips us for the calling He’s called us to.
The intent of God’s heart is always to be with us. He sent, by His pure design, His beloved Son to be our Savior and to reconcile us to Himself. His way is sufficient and secure. Because you walk together, you will never be alone.
We are the “called” of the Lord. What He has called us to, He will help us. The obedient and faithful know God as their constant companion.
The “called” of the Lord are His walking witnesses.
As we walk with Him, the Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture so we may know what to do and come to know Him. We learn from Him and walk in it.
We walk:
- As children of the Light (I John 1:7).
- In love (Ephesians 5:2).
- In Him (Colossians 2:6).
- By faith, not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7).
- In newness of life (Romans 6:4).
- In the Spirit, not the flesh (Romans 8:14).
Each step we take leads us to the One who calls and helps us live in a manner worthy of that calling.
Reflect
Walking in the lifestyle of a Christian requires walking with God. We live a life of faith, trust, and obedience. We walk with Him with all our heart and soul. The indwelling Holy Spirit, in turn, transforms us as we walk together. We are given the fruit of the Spirit. The called are equipped and transformed from the inside out.
From the moment you wake in the morning, the Lord is with you. You carry His fragrance and your difference is noteworthy. Your conduct, decisions, and even your thoughts process changes as you live abundantly in the life with God.
Keep in step with the Spirit and He will keep you safe.
May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:23 NIV.
Respond
Take a few minutes and reflect on your year, your month, your week, and even your day.
- What has the Lord called you to do?
- How has He prepared you for that calling?
- What have you learned from Him?
- How has He revealed Himself to you?
How’s your walk with the Lord?
Pray
Lord, thank you for walking with me and keeping me safe. Thank you for Your peace that passes all understanding, that guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Thank you for calling and preparing me for it. Most of all, Lord, I appreciate you, and I’m oh so thankful to walk with you in abundant life. I love You, Lord. Amen.
