“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,” Ephesians 4:3.

In the Book of Ephesians chapter four, the central theme focuses on the spiritual unity of believers. The apostle Paul clearly discusses our election and call to salvation by the divine providence of God. He concludes with a loving charge to walk worthy of our calling in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3.

So, what does it really mean for us to walk worthy of our calling… worthy is an adjective that can be defined as having adequacy or great merit, character, or value. Every beloved child of God can rest assured that achieving worthiness to the call of God is certainly not an unattainable feat -what God calls us to do, He also equips us with all that we need to accomplish His will. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” 2 Corinthians 9:8. God’s grace is able to provide far and exceeding above all that we need!

But be careful, watchful, and on guard…the enemy of our souls will quickly whisper messages of inadequacy in the ability to fulfil our God given purposes, desiring that we miss opportunities to be blessings in the lives of our fellowman, and above all living in a way that is pleasing in the sight of God. But praise be to God, we have the victory, Philippians 4:13 reminds us:  ^“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live as the “new creatures” that God has formed us to be, He produces the spiritual fruit within us that allows us to love God and our fellowman, exhibiting the meekness, compassion, longsuffering needed to walk in unity with others. Ephesians 4: 2 state “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” just how do these attributes look in the life of the believer?

• Lowliness – the ability to exhibit a humbly spirit, one that comes from our association with Jesus. Lowliness makes us aware that we have brought absolutely nothing into this world, and nothing will we take out. It is only by God’s grace that we have our being and all that we have obtained and possess. Therefore, when we esteem and lift others above ourselves; it keeps our egos in check.
• Gentleness– Submitting to God without a rebellious heart… being willing to follow where He leads, even when we do not understand where He is taking us; and it also allows us to endure the mistreatment of others without holding grudges and seeking retaliation. My parents would call it a “tit for a tat” … as God’s beloved children we are to be as Christ, who said in Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
• Longsuffering- Having a spirit of patience, that is the ability to endure long hardships especially in dealing with others; the ability to have an even temperament.
• Bearing with one another in love – When we are able to make allowances for the faults and misgivings of others. This forbearance is not a pretense, but genuine love; truly being able to understand those who may irritate, disturb, and even embarrass us on occasions.

These attributes are essential for us to walk worthy of our calling and to live in unity with others. It is certainly not easy, but if we let go and let God have His way, accepting the fullness of His grace; He will mold and make us just what He wants us to be! “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10.