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(Presented by Lisa Bishop)
Are you living a life worthy of the Lord? Have you ever wondered what it means to live a worthy life?
Often we are tempted to measure our lives by our achievements, financial success, our relational status, or perhaps climbing the corporate ladder. But let’s look to God’s Word to see what it says about living a worthy life.
In Paul’s letter to followers of Jesus in Ephesus he says, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). What does he mean?
Living worthy doesn’t mean defining your value or earning your worth or status. That has already been declared by God. By the blood of Jesus you have been made whole, holy, righteous and worthy. You are 100% approved. Living worthy isn’t about earning God’s favor. You already have it because of Jesus. That is an amazing truth.
Living a life worthy of the Lord is not about our position before God. It is about our conduct before God and others, The way we live our lives. When Paul urges believers to live a life worthy of the calling they have received, he is saying, “live in such a way that you are a credit to the message of Christ. Behave as a citizen of heaven. Live in a godly way that reflects Jesus.”
As the Passion translation says, “walk holy, in a way that is suitable to your high rank, given to you in your divine calling.”
When you and I live in a manner worthy of the gospel it means we stand out—we live set apart. People look into your life and can tell that you reflect gospel principles. There are far too many people who claim to be Christians but their lifestyle, words, choices, behaviors and actions reflect anything but Christ. When we are true followers of Jesus we read the Bible, obey God’s instructions, and grow more and more in the likeness of Jesus. We don’t conform to the patterns of the world or social norms. We conform to Christ.
If your co-workers were to look in on your life and conduct, would they know that you love and follow Jesus? Do you respond differently under pressure, act gracefully in challenging circumstances, display kindness when others criticize? Would your neighbor notice there is something different about you? When there is a long line at the checkout counter, would the store clerk experience Jesus in you?
When we live worthy of our calling, we live as one loved, chosen and appointed by God to put the glory of God on display.