In His Name Devotionals
WALK WORTHY OF CHRIST
In His Name Devotionals
WALK WORTHY OF CHRIST
“…so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects.” (Colossians 1:10 NIV)
In Colossians 1:9, Paul speaks of being controlled by the knowledge of God’s will. In verse 10 he speaks of walking in a manner worthy of the Lord. There is a direct cause-and-effect relationship between those verses. When you are controlled by the knowledge of God’s will, you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
The Greek word translated “walk” means “to order one’s behavior.” It is common New Testament metaphor for one’s lifestyle. Paul made a similar plea to the Thessalonians, “so that you ay walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12).
The thought of being worthy of the Lord might raise some eyebrows, because Christians often relate worthiness to merit or something deserved. But that is not Paul’s point at all. The Greek word translated “worthy” in Colossians 1:10 speaks of something that weighs as much or carries the same value as something else. He is not saying Christians deserve Christ, but that believers’ conduct should be consistent with His.
That is also Peter’s point, “You have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). John said, “The one who says he abides in (Christ) ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked” (1 John 2:6). He added, “Walk according to His commandments (2 John 6). That is how you demonstrate your love for Christ (John 14:15) and please Him in every respect.
As a word of encouragement, a worthy walk is not a walk of sinless perfection. But each day you are growing in godliness as a result of the Spirit’s transforming work in you (2 Corinthians 3:18). Be fruitful to that process. Set your affections on Christ, look to His Word, and rejoice in the privilege of becoming more like Him today.
