Walking Worthily
Colossians 1:10
“that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in
every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
(Colossians 1:10)
Just as Paul prayed for disciples everywhere, he
also prayed for the brethren at Colossae. These prayers supply us with valuable
insight into what our aim should be in our relationship with God. In this
context. the apostle is praying for the disciples to walk worthily of the Lord.
Walking worthily of the Lord is not a walk of
merit, for we are unprofitable servants. It is a walk of respect for the dignity
of our calling. By God’s grace, we have been elevated to the high and lofty
state of being God’s children.
This walk calls upon us to please Christ in all
things. A conduct that is worthy of Christ will seek to please him in all areas
of our life, and at all times. Seeking the approval of man is inconsistent with
seeking the approval of the Lord.
Bearing fruit for God is the proof of one’s
faith (James 2:18), and is the natural result of the seed of God's word planted
in one's heart. It stems from a desire to benefit others (Galatians 6:10). Its
ultimate aim is the glory of God. (Matthew 5:16)
Is it by increasing in the knowledge of God that
we bear fruit, or is it by bearing fruit that we are increasing in the knowledge
of God? I think both are possible interpretations here. Certainly serving others
is a learning process that teaches us important lessons of patience,
forbearance, and kindness. There is no substitute for experience, and by such
experience, we're brought closer to God.
High moral principles must constantly
characterize God’s blood-bought people. We must promote the goodness of God in
an evil world. Are you walking worthily of your calling this week?
By
George Slover
From Expository Files 23.11; November 2016