READING: Exodus 16-18, Ephesians 4
It’s one sentence in the book of Ephesians, but it marks a significant transition from theology to application in the book. In the first three chapters of Ephesians, Paul focuses on what God has done for us and who we are in Christ. You might remember some of the texts from last week’s devotion entitled, “In Him” (Feb. 5th). In Him, we are blessed to be God’s children because of His grace—not because of our works.
Chapter 4 in Ephesians, then, begins with this verse: “Therefore I, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to live worthy of the calling you have received . . . .” (Eph 4:1). Paul had so faithfully served the Lord that it cost him his physical freedom, but still he lived fully committed to Him. He expected his readers to do the same; those who were in Christ were to live like Christ. Humility, gentleness, patience, and love were to mark their lives. Indeed, their lives were to be different from the world simply because they were now Christians.
God has adopted us as His children, and that truth must be evident in the way we live. Others ought to be able to examine our lives and see something different in the way we conduct our lives. We put away the old self and show the new self, now redeemed and changed. That commitment marks our lives as we live according to our calling.
Where does your life today best show the transforming power of the gospel? And, where does your life look too much like the world? Let’s covenant together to walk in Christ today!
PRAYER: “God, empower me to live worthy of Your calling in my life. Forgive me when I live like the old self.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 19-21, Psalm 33, Ephesians 5