Walking Worthy of Our Divine Calling

In the bustling corridors of our daily lives, amidst the cacophony of modern existence, the Apostle Paul's words to the Ephesians echo with timeless relevance: "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (Ephesians 4:1, ESV). This passage is not merely an ancient text but a living, breathing directive for every believer today. Let's delve deeper into what this calling entails and how we, as modern evangelicals, can embody it.

The Basis of Our Calling (Ephesians 4:1)

Paul's "therefore" is pivotal. It hinges on the practical advice of chapters 4-6 on the theological bedrock of chapters 1-3. Here, Paul has already unfolded the mystery of Christ, our election, redemption, and the sealing by the Holy Spirit. Our calling isn't a call to strive for acceptance but a response to an already bestowed grace. This shift from striving to responding fundamentally alters our walk. We are not walking to be worthy; we are walking because we are deemed worthy through Christ.

Attributes of a Worthy Walk (Ephesians 4:2-3)

To walk worthy involves:

• Humility and Gentleness: In an era where self-assertion is celebrated, Christian humility stands in stark contrast. It is not about thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less. Gentleness, or meekness, is not weakness but power under control, modeled perfectly by Jesus.

• Patience and Love: Longsuffering in our relationships mirrors God's patience with us. It's about enduring inconveniences, annoyances, and even injustices with a heart of love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

• Unity in the Spirit: Unity doesn't mean we all look, think, or act the same. It's about a shared life in Christ, maintained through the bond of peace. This unity is both a gift and a goal, something the Spirit gives but also something we must actively preserve.

The Oneness of Our Faith (Ephesians 4:4-6)

Paul articulates the Church's unity through seven ones: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. This passage underscores that our diversity as believers does not undermine our unity; rather, it enriches the body of Christ. This unity is divine, transcending all human-made divisions, urging us towards a collective identity in Christ.

The Diversity of Gifts for Unity (Ephesians 4:7-16)

Christ, having ascended, bestowed gifts upon men. These aren't for personal glory but for:

• Equipping the Saints: Every Christian has a role. The idea here is not of passive churchgoers but active participants in God's mission.

• Building Up the Body: The ultimate aim is to reach unity in faith and knowledge of Christ, becoming mature, and attaining the whole measure of Christ's fullness. This growth prevents us from being "tossed to and fro by the waves" of every new doctrine.

• Speaking the Truth in Love: Growth in Christ involves growing in love, where truth is not a weapon but a tool for building up, ensuring we grow in every way into Him who is the head.

The Transformation from Old to New (Ephesians 4:17-24)

Paul starkly contrasts the old self with the new:

The Old Self: This life is marked by ignorance, hardness of heart, and a surrender to sensuality. It's a life devoid of the life of God, lost in delusions.

The New Self: Created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This transformation requires us to:

• • Put off falsehood: Embrace honesty in all interactions, recognizing our unity in Christ.
  • Manage Anger: Anger itself is not a sin, but how we handle it can be. We're called to resolve our anger before it gives the devil a foothold.
  • Work and Share: Instead of taking, we're to work so we might have something to share with those in need, reversing the ethos of self-centeredness.
  • Use Edifying Language: Our words should give grace to those who hear, acting as a conduit for the Holy Spirit's work.
  • Be Kind and Forgive: Reflecting the forgiveness we've received from Christ, our lives should be characterized by kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

Practical Living Out of Our Calling (Ephesians 4:25-32)

Paul's instructions are not abstract; they're intensely practical:

• Honesty: Because we are all parts of the same body, deceit disrupts our collective health.
• Righteous Indignation: Anger has its place, but it must not lead to sin or linger into bitterness.
• Generosity: The shift from stealing to sharing underscores a fundamental change in our economic ethos, from accumulation to distribution.
• Speech That Builds: Every word should aim to edify, to bring life, not tear down or corrupt.
• Kindness Over Bitterness: The call to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving is rooted in God's forgiveness towards us in Christ. This calling is about avoiding negative behaviors and actively cultivating positive ones.

Conclusion: The Journey of Walking Worthy

To walk worthy of our calling is an ongoing journey, not a destination we reach overnight. It's about daily decisions to live out the Gospel in every aspect of our lives. This walk influences how we work, speak, think, and interact with others. It is about embodying the fruit of the Spirit in a world often barren of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

As believers, we're reminded that our worthiness is not our own making but is conferred upon us by Christ's righteousness. Our response is to live in such a way that our lives reflect this divine calling. We strive not out of fear or obligation but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done.

Let us then, with renewed vigor, commit to this worthy walk, not in our strength but through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Encourage one another to love and do good deeds, keeping the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. In doing so, we honor our calling and draw others into the transformative journey of faith in Christ Jesus.