Are You Walking Worthy of Your Calling?

Have you ever wondered if your life actually looks different from those who don’t follow Christ? I mean really different – not just because you attend church on Sundays or have a fish symbol on your car.

In Ephesians 4, Paul challenges believers with these powerful words: “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1). But what exactly is this calling? And are we truly living up to it?

Your Position Matters More Than Your Performance

The calling Paul refers to isn’t primarily about what you do – it’s about where you are positioned. In Ephesians 1 and 2, he reminds us that we are “seated with Jesus in the heavenly places.” This isn’t something we’re waiting for in the future; it’s our reality right now.

“This is where you belong now,” not later. You don’t have to wait. This is what God desires for you – to be seated with Jesus in the heavenly places. And from that position, we get to hear what God is saying and respond accordingly.

Bridge Crossers and Bridge Builders

As believers, we’ve crossed a bridge that someone built for us – a bridge taking us from outside the kingdom into it, from death to life. We’ve crossed over into something new. As Paul writes in Ephesians 3, we’ve been “recreated” back to what God originally intended.

But here’s the problem: many who claim to have crossed the bridge are still living like those on the other side.

The Difference Between Joining and Serving

I often think about the military. There are people who have joined the military, and then there are people who have served the military. You can tell the difference! Those who truly served were changed by it – even decades later, something about them is different. They didn’t just join for a paycheck; they realized they were part of something bigger than themselves.

Similarly, when you truly cross the bridge into God’s kingdom, people should notice something different about you without you having to tell them you’re a Christian. There should be something about your mannerisms, your work ethic, your response to difficulty that stands out.

Hard Truth for the Church

Paul’s words in Ephesians 4 weren’t directed at unbelievers – they were for the church! He had to remind believers to:

  • Speak the truth (Ephesians 4:25)
  • Not sin in their anger (Ephesians 4:26)
  • Not give opportunity to the devil (Ephesians 4:27)
  • Let no corrupting talk come out of their mouths (Ephesians 4:29)
  • Put away bitterness, wrath, slander and malice (Ephesians 4:31)

When I read this in context, it changes how I think about what Paul is saying. He’s not talking about “those people” on the other side of the bridge. He’s talking about people who claim to be on this side with me!

A Personal Examination

Paul challenges the Ephesians with these sobering words: “Assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him as the truth is in Jesus…” (Ephesians 4:21). It’s a play on words – he knows they’d heard about Jesus, but there’s a big difference between hearing and truly hearing.

Some had joined the church but hadn’t actually been transformed. They weren’t walking worthy of their calling.

Putting It Into Practice

So I ask you today: Are you walking worthy of the calling Jesus has for you? This is a question only you can answer. There’s no judgment here, but we all need to check ourselves:

  1. Daily Examination: Every morning ask, “God, am I walking worthy today?” Every night reflect, “Have I walked worthy?”
  2. Invite the Spirit’s Insight: “Show me areas where my heart has hardened. Show me where I’ve been dishonest or bitter. Show me where corrupt talk has come from my mouth.”
  3. Position Yourself: Take time to be honest with God about which side of the bridge you’re really on. He already knows, but acknowledging it is the first step toward change.

Don’t be content with straddling the bridge. In Revelation, Jesus says he’d rather us be hot or cold than lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16). The truth is, you really are one or the other – if you’re not hot, you’re cold.

Give God five minutes today. Position yourself before Him and let His Spirit show you the truth about your walk.