I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, Ephesians 4:1 (ESV)

After the first three chapters about the promises and sweet truths of what God has first done for us, Paul brings to mind the age-old question: do you merely talk the talk, or do you truly walk the walk? In simpler terms, do your words align with your actions, reflecting your identity in Christ? This question dives deeper than we often allow it to. Consider the profound words of James in his letter:

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James 2:17-18 

James is not suggesting that we are saved by works, but he is asserting that works serve as the tangible evidence of a saving faith. They are not the cause but the effect. Works are the outward display of our inner transformation; they demonstrate that we have stepped out of crippling darkness and into marvelous light, casting off the chains of sin and embracing the gentle yoke of Christ–– belonging to Him alone. 

We don’t walk worthy in order to be approved by God, but rather because He already has. Let this devotional create a moment of reflection in your day. In a society where traditional beliefs and practices are declining, and yet 70% of American adults claim to be spiritual, we must dig deeper than the surface level. Many believe in something beyond this world, but their belief doesn’t impact how they live their lives or others in any meaningful way. Let this not be said of our own Faith. We weaken our testimony, and any chance onlookers may come to faith in Christ if the way we live isn’t attractive or stands out. As Jesus says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35 (ESV)

So how do we walk worthy? Read through chapters four and five, where Paul lays it out for us. We walk the way–“The Way” walked the Earth, imitating Him as beloved children who He laid His life down for. We must walk in gentleness, humility, forgiveness, agape love, patience, and unity. Walk in the light, in wisdom, in step with the Spirit, and in submission to one another for the sake of unity. This won’t only fulfill the call in scripture but will also lead to the most fulfilling life imaginable.

Now then, walk worthy–in the footsteps of the Worthy Lamb who was slain––who walked perfectly on our behalf all the way to the cross. We can walk worthy of the calling because the One who called us is worthy.