Walk in Holiness

In our studies of God's Word, we often grapple with the tension between our positional identity in Christ and our practical, day-to-day walk. As believers, it is evident, we are called to a higher standard - one that reflects the new man as children of God. But what does this look like in practice?

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, provides us with profound insights into this very question. He urges us to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" (Ephesians 4:1). This call to worthiness isn't about earning our salvation; rather, it's about living in a manner that aligns with who we already are in Christ.

Our identity as God's "dear children" (Ephesians 5:1) is not just a theological concept - it's meant to give us understanding, to know how we are known of Him, and to give us wisdom to transform every aspect of our lives. We are called to be "followers of God," reflecting His character and His love. This identity isn't something we achieve; it's something we've been given. The challenge lies in living it out.

Paul paints a vivid picture of what this worthy walk looks like. He exhorts us to "walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor" (Ephesians 5:2). This sacrificial love of Christ becomes our pattern and motivation. When we truly grasp the depth of Christ's love for us, it constrains us to love others in the same selfless manner.

However, Paul doesn't stop at the positive exhortations. He also provides a stark contrast, listing behaviors that are incompatible with our new identity: "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints" (Ephesians 5:3). These aren't arbitrary rules; they're indicators of what doesn't belong in the life of someone created for righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore, we are charged to "perfect holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1) - thus our walk isn't only in righteous love, but in holiness.

The apostle goes further, addressing not just actions but also our speech: "Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks" (Ephesians 5:4). Our words matter. They have the power to build up or tear down, to reflect the new creature we are still veiled in this flesh or contradict it and manifest that which naturally appears. The call here is to replace harmful, empty talk with words of gratitude and edification.

It's crucial to understand that Paul isn't teaching that believers can lose their salvation if they partake in these areas. Instead, he's emphasizing that our behavior should align with our identity. We are saints - set apart for God's purposes. Therefore, certain actions and attitudes are simply not "becoming" or fitting for who we are in Christ.

This teaching challenges us to examine our lives. Are there areas where we've become complacent, justifying behaviors or speech that don't reflect our true identity? The grace that saved us is the same grace that teaches us to "deny" ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live sober, righteous, and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:11-12).

Paul warns against being deceived by "vain words" that downplay the seriousness of sin (Ephesians 5:6). In our culture, it's easy to rationalize behaviors that God clearly identifies as incompatible with the inheritance of the kingdom of Christ and of God" (Ephesians 5:6). But we're called to a higher standard - not out of legalism, but out of love for the One who redeemed us.

The beautiful truth is that our identity in Christ isn't just about what we don't do; it's about who we are becoming. We are being transformed into the image of Christ, from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). This transformation affects every aspect of our lives - our actions, our speech, our thoughts, and our relationships.

As we embrace our identity as God's beloved children, we find that obedience flows not from obligation, but from love and gratitude. We pursue holiness not to earn God's favor, but because we already have it in Christ. Our worthy walk becomes a response to grace, not an attempt to earn it. The development of a proper understanding our identity and walk is essential to grasp how we are to walk worthy.  

In conclusion, walking worthy of our calling is about living in the tension of "already but not yet." We are known of God as if we are seated in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:4-6); however, our members are still on the earth and our soul currently clothed with skin and flesh fenced in with bones and sinews (Job 10:11). Therefore, we still fight, contend, mortify, take captive, cast off, and not partake in sin and worldliness. We are already declared righteous in Christ, yet we're still being sanctified. We're already God's children, yet we're growing in our understanding and expression of that identity. What sweet growth to be had now is preparation for the life to come! This isn't about perfection; it's about spiritual deepening - being filled more and more with the fulness of God in Christ.

As we navigate this path, let's hold fast to the truth of who we are in Christ. Let's embrace the high calling we've received, not as a burden, but as a privilege. And let's encourage one another in this worthy walk, remembering that "he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). May our lives increasingly reflect the reality of our identity in Christ - as beloved children, walking in love, and shining as lights in a world that desperately needs to see the testimony of the power of the gospel of Christ.