Worthy of the Calling

In a world that continually is warped by artificiality, there is a severe hunger for what is genuinely authentic. The same can be said when we look at walks of faith. It is one thing to wear the title of “Christian” or “Believer”, but it is a deeper practice entirely to walk according and worthy to the calling as a follower of Christ. In Colossians 1:10 Paul spurs us to,

“So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”

What does it mean then in application to not only say this, but to actively live this fully in our lives?

Clearly Seen

The theme is echoed throughout Scripture that the fruit of someone’s life is very telling of who they are within (Matthew 7:16, Luke 6:43, Matthew 12:33). To be worthy of the calling of Christ over one’s life means to live a life that aligns with the Gospel, matching inward convictions with outward actions. The word for worthy primarily used in the New Testament is, axiōs. This word is dynamic in that it is not simply defined. As Ferguson shares, “Like many other words, there is a picture lying behind the origin of axios. It means “Properly, ‘bringing up the other beam of the scales,’ ‘bringing into equilibrium,’ and therefore ‘equivalent.’”¹ The basic idea is that a life that is worthy of the gospel of Christ expresses in the form of a lifestyle what the gospel teaches in the form of a message. Such a life takes on a character that reflects the character of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Crossway). Although we are imperfect beings, we can call upon the Lord to help us live lives that bear good fruit for His Kingdom.

What Does it Mean to be Called?

To be called is to be set apart for God. It is an invitation that one’s life, time, and gifts may be used for the glory of the One True God. This calling is not one that we earn or can earn, but it is given by the grace of the Lord. This does not occur spur of the moment, in fact we are told in Galatians 1:15 that this was decided before you were even in your mother’s womb,

“But when He who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace was pleased” 

To be called is also to be assigned specifically. As 1 Corinthians 7:17 explains,

“Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this way let him walk.”

In many ways a calling is someone innately that implores us, stirring a yearning within to be acknowledged and fulfilled. Some struggle with their calling because they are fearful of what it would mean to truly surrender and embrace this charge.

What is Left Behind?

Letting go of comfort zones, the status quo of what has been, and control is almost always required when accepting one’s calling. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that as Believers we are called out of darkness into the Light. This can prove a struggle for many as Fear often seeks to sabotage and to thwart the potential freedom of what it truly means to walk in His Light. Self-doubts, assumptions, and worldly standards must also be relinquished as His ways are higher than our ways, and He works beyond our comprehension or understanding. As 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 explains, God is in the business of using those that appear unlikely for unique positions in His greater story,

“For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 27 but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,” 

In order to truly live a life worthy of the calling of Christ, we must submit to Him and willingly obey, even when the path ahead appears blurry.

How to Accept the Calling

When you give your, “yes” fully to God, adventure awaits. In Isaiah 6:8 we see a man who is willingly offering his life for the Lord’s use,

“Isaiah 6:8- Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 

The word for “Here am I” in Hebrew is, Hineni (הִנֵּנִי). This extraordinary phrase is the same used by Samuel as a boy answering the Lord in the middle of the night in the Temple, of Moses responding to the Father speaking from Burning Bush, and of Abraham as he presented himself at the altar of the Lord willing to sacrifice his beloved son. Accepting the call in essence is extending a reply of, Hineni. Hold fast to the assurance that you do not walk the next steps of the path laid before you alone, for He is there, He knows the way, and there is a profound purpose to every step.

How to Live the Calling Out

The Word does not leave us without specific details outlining how to live your calling out on a personal and corporate level with others. Although the distinct requests for your life may vary from season to season, there are certain postures and positions for your heart and head to abide continually. For example, Ephesians 4:1-6 speaks to alignment in your actions,

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” 

Rest assured that this is not a solo effort, that the Lord Himself will guide you in direction when you seek Him and that through His power in you and your life His purposes will reach fulfillment. As 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 reminds,

“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will consider you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, in accordance with the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

God will be glorified and the Kingdom will be blessed by the fruit of your matchless life. Release every thought, belief, or hinderance that challenges the freedom of what it truly means to walk the walk and talk the talk of a life worthy of the calling God has over your life.

Sources:

NASB

Blue Letter Bible

https://www.crossway.org/articles/what-does-it-mean-to-live-a-life-worthy-of-the-gospel/

https://www.oneforisrael.org/hineni-here-i-am-send-me/