A Life Worthy Of Our Call

The Bible encourages us to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called." This has been brought home to me over the past few days and I do have some thoughts on the subject. First, I think we understand that we're not just talking about a walk we take. He is talking about our lifestyle and our personal conduct from day to day. The apostle Paul reminds us to live in such a way that our actions and attitudes will bring honor to Jesus, for Whom we live. We don't want to be guilty of giving occasion for people to think or speak wrongly of Christ because of our poor example of what it is to be a christian.
Rather than allowing this command to become a burden in our thinking, let's be reminded that such a life is possible because we have a companion Who is constantly present to help us in this lifestyle. It is the Holy Spirit Who Jesus said will be within us and also among us as we meet together as worshipers.  He is sent to dwell within us and because He is present, He gives us the strength to do what we never could or would do on our own. He empowers us to follow Christ with our entire mind, soul, and strength. Because of His presence there are now certain things we just don't want to do, and there are other things we do want to do, and if you are like me, we do what we want to do. It's easy to do the things we want to do, and Christ gives us His empowering Spirit that creates in us new desires that honor Him and we do those things that we now want to do. So our walk, or lifestyle, becomes a life that is a bit different from the rest of the culture we are a part of. It is a life that truly does demonstrate that Christ has done something radical within us, and as a result, we are not the same as others. We are the called, the redeemed, the elect people of God Almighty, and our lives reflect that new reality. I hope that as you read, you can take a quick inventory of what life looks like through you. What message is your life sending to people around you?  Are you living up to your God given, Spirit empowered potential? Let today be the day when you say Lord I submit to Your Lordship in all of my life. Do what You will through me and in me! That is the beginning of a life set apart, worthy of the calling to which we are called as followers of Jesus.