On the CrossRoad

Today’s Word – Worthy – Ephesians 4:1

Posted on 08. Jun, 2010 by Dave in Dave's Blog, Today's Word

“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.”  Ephesians 4:1

I generally resist the idea that I will live or act a certain way because someone else expects me to do so.  Sometimes that is good.  Sometimes that turns kind of ugly.  But here God is saying . . . “live a certain way . . . not just because I expect you to, but because of what I have made you and called you to be.”

Maybe your parents used to say it in one form or another as you headed out the door . . .  “remember who you are.”    In other words, “your words, your actions, your decisions reflect on all of us, our entire family . . . be wise, and remember who you are.”

God is saying, remember how much I invested in you to make you my own and live in a way that shows that to the people around you.  Jesus paid the eternal price to reclaim you as one of my children . . . now live that way.  Demonstrate by your life that you are worth of that great price.

He then goes on to tell us what that life looks like.  I know the words before I read them.  Live with “gentleness, humility, forgiveness, compassion, encouraging one another, patience, maturity, truthfulness . . .”  But sometimes I don’t want to . . . live that way that is . . . the old way seems more attractive, more inviting, but I know its not

That is the crux of my daily battle.  Obviously I’m not alone.  Just a little bit later in the chapter Paul reminds me  (and you) that we don’t live a worthy life on our own, instead God empowers and strengthens and equips us to do it:  “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. “ Ephesians 4:23-24.

“Worthy” is a word we don’t use much any more.  It implies value, position, standing . . . what’s amazing is on my own, I’m not worthy of anything, but with Jesus and because of Jesus, I’m worthy of all things . . . and I will try with God’s help to live that way.

Pray Today: Dear Jesus, thank you for the incredible sacrifice you made to pull me out of the muck and mire of my unworthiness so that you could cover me with your worthiness.  Let me so trust and follow the prompting of your Holy Spirit today,t hat I lead a life which is worthy of you and your calling.  Amen.

Tags: life, Spirit, spiritual battle, worthy