1 "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."
Ephesians 4:1 (NIV)
I see three great moves made in this verse. Do you?
CONSTRAINED MOVE. “Feeling it” is the expression we use to explain when someone becomes a soul on fire, brimming with confidence, engaging the world, ready to face giants, tackling the toughest of tasks. Someone who's “feeling it” can hardly wait to take the next shot or make the next play. That's how God wants His people to feel when they let Jesus move in. He captures people only to set them free. Then no chains can bind them. No circumstance can stop them. They go on urging others fearlessly. God powerfully constrains men who are chained to Him.
CONTROLLED MOVE. Great athletes learn controlled movement: to pace well and shift deftly, to change speed and direction, all while maintaining balance and purpose. Like athletes, Christians must learn to control their moves to be effective, productive and still advancing, regardless of circumstances. “Walk worthy” is the term Scripture uses to describe this kind of living. Making the right move at the right time is the idea. These moves must include taking steps toward humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, keeping unity of the Spirit and bonding in peace every day (v2-3).
CONFIDENT MOVE. “Callings” are received, not self-scripted. Our best moves in life come not when we try to figure out our calling, but when we discover His for us. Discovery like this brings great confidence to every subsequent move we make. “Calling” starts with the imitation of Jesus. To daily live out who God says we are, to be His hands, His feet, His ambassadors, His reflecting masterpieces in this world is our calling. It's that simple.
Reflect: How chained and constrained are you to the Lord? Are you walking worthy of your divine calling? Are you taking good steps toward the six virtues mentioned in verses 2-3? Which step needs some work? Are you confident in your calling?
A prayer to consider: LORD, chain and constrain me so that my urges become conformed to Your urges. Don't let me run wild on my own. Help me to walk worthy of Your calling on my life. Make my every move confident because I'm fully aligned with You.
