As a Christian, you have been called by the gospel to obtain the glory of Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:14b “He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is important for you to consider how you should walk in a way that is worthy of the calling which we have been called. Ephesians 4:1-3 “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” You can certainly walk in an unworthy manner, following the ways of the flesh, in anger and hatred and bitterness, evil speaking, selfish desires, sexual immorality, drunkenness and the like, following the ways of the world. But consider how this scripture tells you to walk.
First, you are told to walk with all lowliness. That means you would show humility and not pride. You would not consider yourself better or more important than anyone you meet. No task would be too menial. There would be no boasting. You would consider yourself a servant to all, just like Jesus came to serve. Remember that Jesus took up the basin and the towel and washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:5).
Second, you are told to walk with gentleness or meekness. That means that you are not harsh, or difficult to approach, but easy to get along with and it is easy for someone to come to you and talk to you or ask for your help. Jesus said that He was gentle and lowly in heart. Matthew 11:29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” You are to be like Jesus in this way.
Third, you are told to be longsuffering or patient. If necessary, you are to be like Job who suffered many trials to include the loss of his children, the loss of his possessions, and physical pain and suffering and yet he didn’t give up and turn his back on God but still worshiped Him. Job 1:21 “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Fourth, you are to bear with your fellow Christians in love. Sometimes your fellow Christians are difficult to get along with. They may have ways of doing things that are irritating to you. They may not be considerate of your feelings and needs. They may not even act as a Christian should. In spite of all this, you are to love them and seek their good and their salvation.
Finally, within the church body you are to do whatever you can to keep the unity produced by the Holy Spirit of God and you are to work for peace within the body. Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” If you are to live peaceably with all men, how much more are you to live peaceably with your fellow believers? Work against contentions and anything or anyone who might cause a division within your congregation; work for peace.
How do you walk worthy of the calling with which you were called? You are to walk with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.