“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1
All throughout every society in the world there are certain social standards that a person is expected to live up to depending on his social position in the area. A person who is a CEO of some corporation is expected to always dress in a nice suit and tie at every major meeting. Judges are expected to judge in complete fairness and honesty. Police are expected to never break the laws they are enforcing on others.
In “lower” levels there are standards for some families. Children of a wealthy or well-known person are usually held to higher standards of living. They are expected to not do certain things that would bring shame to the family. In some parts of the world if a child brings a level of shame to the family name, he is often cut off from the family and disowned.
As Paul is writing this verse, he is in prison for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is telling every believer to live a life that is worthy of the calling.
God has called every believer to live their life as Jesus did and to be His witness to every person, every where. This life is to be a perfect, holy life. You, as a believer, represent God here on this earth. He is the highest authority. There is no greater honor given to anyone than to represent God Himself.
Living your life for Jesus may mean having to be thrown in prison as Paul was. At times it will mean you will go through difficulties and troubles. Yet, while going through this, do you cave in to the world’s way of living? Or are you living as Jesus would?
Are you working at loving everyone, including your enemies? Are you patient with others?
If God were to judge you right now on how you are living your life, where would you stand?
Be willing to pay the price by living a life worthy of your calling. You have been called to eternal life, being a child of God, being His ambassador, and being His witness. What better calling could there be?
Are you living up to that calling?
I pray today that you will know the calling of God in your life; that you will see the value of that calling; that you will live your life for God; and that you will live your life as Jesus did.
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