Walk Worthy

Our conduct, our behaviour, needs to reflect who we are in Him. Our daily walk must match our position in Christ

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I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy (my emphasis) of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:1-6, ESV)

In our weekly small group we have recently studied the book of Ephesians and what a spiritual treasure trove it has proved to be. I don’t suppose we will ever be able to plumb the depths of its riches this side of glory. I think I can speak for us all in saying that our discussions appear to have only skimmed the surface; however, in studying God’s word, He is faithful in enabling our ability. Little by little our understanding has grown and even expanded. Writing this blog has caused me to reflect on one small part. In Chapters 1 to 3 our position in Christ has been clearly laid out. We have been informed of all the privileges, blessings, promises and honours that are available to all believers who are in Christ. And now the command, by Paul, is given at the start of chapter 4 where we are beseeched to ‘walk worthy of our calling’.  Examining what ‘walking worthy’ means has caused me to meditate on this.  

A simple dictionary definition of the verb ‘walk’ states: ‘use one’s feet to advance’.  It can also mean to live or behave in a specified manner... to walk in, for example ‘a determined way’, to walk ‘with energy, intent’. As a noun, a walk is a journey that is made by walking; a short walk, a long walk, a pleasant walk. In examining the word ‘worthy’, the dictionary states: ‘having worth, merit, value, being honourable and admirable’.  

In the New Testament the word walk is frequently used to refer to conduct, to behaviour, to the way the believer’s life is lived. At its most simple, and utilising the above dictionary definitions, our walk, should be honourable, containing merit and value, and importantly, our walk should be ongoing and advancing. From our first day of salvation, where we are set apart from non-believers to our last where glorification waits, we are currently on ‘a journey’ of becoming like Christ. This process, a basic doctrine in Christianity, is called sanctification. For the believer, in whom Christ dwells the goal is to become more like Christ, emulating the way He thinks, acts and speaks so that as our walk goes on we begin to manifest the very character of Christ. The Holy Spirit, in us, helps us to pursue growing in godliness so that we progressively reflect Jesus Christ in our lives.

dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com

Paul repeatedly states the necessity to ‘walk worthy’. In Colossians (1:9-10 ESV) he ceaselessly prays that (believers)  ‘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...'

In the latter part of his letter to the Ephesians Paul goes on to extensively provide comprehensive instruction and application of how therefore the believer is to walk.

Our sanctification may be slow and we may struggle at times, however, we are not alone. We have the help of the triune God. Our active growth proceeds from the life we live by faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us to live more faithfully as He illuminates the word of God which guides, directs and instructs us. The word of God, (2 Timothy 3:16) clearly states that ‘all scripture is profitable...’ for us.

Coleman Ford (2018) in his article ‘6 things every Christian needs to know about sanctification’ (accessed on-line 2023) cites the work of Powlison who lists five factors and sanctification:

God. ‘It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure’ (Philippians 2:13, ESV) what an assurance!

Truth. The truth of God’s word which is preached, taught, studied, prayed and read is one of the most certain ways by which the Holy Spirit brings about change in our lives.

Godly, wise people. It is through the gifting and graces of brothers and sisters in Christ that helps with our change and development. This surely highlights the necessity of belonging to a Church family. Sanctification, of necessity is inextricably bound up in our love for and service to others.

Suffering and struggle. These difficulties although not sought after can and often cause us to rely on God. Unlike when things are going well adversities cause us to look to God.

You change. ‘Scripture calls us to actively believe, obey, trust, seek, love, confess, praise, and take refuge. We are not passive. The mystery of faith is that we are 100% responsible, yet 100% dependent on outside help’.

The timing, pace, questioning, acceptance or rejection of any of the above factors can hinder or accelerate our ongoing walk as a believer. Each individual is unique and so is our development in sanctification. However, let us remember: ‘... it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.’ (Galatians 2:20, ESV)

Our conduct, our behaviour, needs to reflect who we are in Him. Our daily walk must match our position in Christ, which Paul so wondrously and fervently recounts in chapter 1; this is a challenge but should be the desire of all true believers and of course, is the evidence of new birth.

Praise God.

Author: Irene Cherrill

May God bless and enrich your life

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