In three of Paul’s prison epistles, I have noticed a repeat of the word “worthy”, as it refers to the manner of life a believer should live. Let me show you where they are found. Ephesians 4:1 – “Walk worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” Philippians 1:27 – “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.” And, Colossians 1:10 – “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord”. Paul’s concern was that our lives give God glory and that the name of Jesus Christ would not be profaned by careless living. Some people will only see Jesus by observing our lives. Paul said that we are epistles read by all. (2 Corinthians 3:2-3) We are to be that “city set on a hill”.
I asked a group of believers what they thought of this repeated emphasis on right living and one brother had this thought. He said that when he sees the word “worthy” he thinks of worth, in that one should live with no regrets. In looking back at our lives we should say: “It was worth it”. I can see how that applies here, but the focus in these verses is being worthy of the Lord. In other words, the Lord’s reputation is at stake when others observe our lives. My question is: “Can others see Jesus in us?” That may seem scary to think that we should be perfect as He is perfect, but it is the goal set before us; it is the “upward calling” of the Lord.
Let’s unpack these verses to see just how we are to live. In Ephesians, the way to live that is worthy of Christ is with humility, gentleness, patience and bearing with one another in love. In Philippians, the emphasis is on unity. We are to stand firm in one spirit; striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel. And, in Colossians, living in a manner worthy of the Lord is by bearing fruit in every good work, increasing in the knowledge of God, and in pleasing God. These qualities have to do with reflecting the very nature of God Himself. In other words, living a life worthy of the Lord is to manifest in the visible world, the invisible attributes of God.
This admonition, to live a life worthy of the Lord, carries with it the benefit of a clean conscience and the satisfaction of it being worth it all. These qualities are the fruit of a relationship with God and not a means to get to Heaven. By being aware of how God expects us to live, we can avoid the fleshly tendency of cheapening grace to the level of license. It checks bad attitudes with the thought: “I can do better than that.” God has set us on a higher level than the world. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places. We are children of the Most High. We are royalty. We can live in a world that is corrupted by sin, without being identified with it. We can make a difference because we are Light and not darkness.
Let’s look beyond the present circumstances of life to our heavenly destiny. Let’s look to the throne room and our welcome into our eternal home. Jesus is there smiling as we approach His throne. Can you imagine this scene? What will Jesus say? “Well done my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:23) Fruitfulness is glorifying the name of Jesus. It is reflecting His purpose and desires. We have been giving but one life, and with this precious gift we are to live as a light set on a lampstand, for all to see. To live a life worthy of the Lord is to live in a glass house. It is living in a way in which we would never be ashamed of our words, attitudes or actions. This is pleasing to the Lord.
Scriptures to meditate on: Ephesians 3:10; 4:1; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:10; Matthew 24:45; 25:23