“I… 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.” Ephesians 4:1-2
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Colossians 1:9-11
“To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
“Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply your heart to my knowledge…
That your trust may be in the Lord,
I have made them known to you today, even to you…
to make you know what is right and true.” Proverbs 22:17,19,21
God, having created man in His image, is inimitably worthy of His children’s obedience and reflection of that perfect image and character. Many admonitions throughout the scriptures command them to do what it takes to walk worthy of this high calling, in order to bring Him the honor He deserves. With every command comes the enabling, by God’s power and grace. (Genesis 1:26-27; 18:19; Deuteronomy 6:24-25; Romans 11:29; Philippians 1:6; 2 Peter 1:3-4)
We start our days with mental lists of responsibilities, demands on energy and effort that serve many secular purposes. Tasks to complete, miles to travel, conversations to engage in, disciplines to enact, all demand and tax our limited mental and physical resources. The key to worldly living that honors the divine calling is aligning the duties and activities of the temporal with eternal truth and purpose. Is the work I am doing, and the way I am doing it, honoring my Lord? How might I adjust it to do so?
We’re planted here for a time with shallow roots, as God’s own, groaning for completion of our salvation. Our work is a gift intended to fulfill and express individual personality as a part of God’s kingdom. Often the way is rocky or steep, intended by God to teach trust, knowledge, strength, and endurance. He designs many a circumstance to give opportunity to emulate and express facets of His character. (Genesis 2:7-8,15; Romans 8:20-27)
How intentionally do we work to know His will and walk by His power? What progress have we made in conforming to His character along our daily way? What challenges has He used to refine us? How are we implementing God’s mannerisms, patience, compassion, and graces in our speech, work, and relationships with others? How would those close to us describe the ‘worthiness’ of our walk?
Faithful Lord, establish my heart in every good work and word. Distinguish me by Your steadfast love and graces, so Your glory and worthy name are praised. (Psalm 17:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; 3:3,5)
As the rain and snow 