Walk Worthily

by Doy Moyer

"Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1-3).

1. “Manner worthy” really is an adverb, saying, “Walk worthily.”
2. This means there is a “walk” (conduct of life) that should be done “worthily.” “Worthily” modifies the way we live our lives.
3. This is not the same thing as saying we are “worthy” of the gifts of God. We aren’t.
4. We are “called” (perhaps, invited) to participate in the life offered by God.
5. Walking worthily entails showing humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance in love for others.
6. Walking worthily also entails diligence in preserving unity and peace.
7. This unity is “of the Spirit.” This unity is not based on our desires or will but on God’s. We have no right to modify how unity and peace are to be achieved (see Ephesians 4:4-6).
8. Thank God for the calling. How shall we respond? What will our lives and diligence reflect? We may not be worthy, but we can walk worthily.