My dad used to tell my two sisters and I to walk tall. He was 6’2, both of my sisters were over 5’6 and I was 5’2ish. What did he mean—how could I walk tall being so short I wondered? He wasn’t talking about height or physical posture—he was talking about our attitudes and behavior. He was talking about honesty, integrity, and not thinking ourselves better than others. Though far from perfect, he modeled caring and compassion for others too. In the same way Paul is pleading, begging, urging, or imploring the people of Ephesus to walk worthy of their calling, to live and act in a way worthy of those who have been chosen, or to walk holy in other versions. Simply not to just talk the talk but walk the walk; doing it with humility, gentleness, patience and love, being diligent or making every effort to stay united in the Spirit.
What does it mean to walk or act in a way worthy of their calling or in some versions, vocation? Maybe to realize that we are all equally important, chosen parts of one body of believers, called to proclaim the gospel and the only way to accomplish the goal set before us is to be a united team. To know that we are only worthy because of God’s grace, but not to think ourselves more important in God’s grand scheme than anyone else. The one thing that seems to destroy unity in the body or any relationship is the need or desire for us to be right about something. Whether, politics, theology, music styles, or a million other things. If we put that desire before the relationship, even if we speak the truth without love, the result is disharmony. Love, peace, patience, and humility disappear—ever had that happen in your life?
You will learn from the other writer’s this week more about humility, gifting, and being mature in the faith. I just want to share a few lines from the song “Who Am I” by Casting Crowns that puts “walking tall” or “worthy” into perspective every time I hear it.
Who am I, that the lord of all the earth Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the bright and morning star Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart?
Not because of who I am
But because of what you’ve done Not because of what I’ve done But because of who you are.
LIVE THE STORY: Choose one of the words Paul uses to describe how we maintain unity—humility, gentleness, patience, or love to pray about this week and practice with your coworkers, ministry partners, friends or family.
Deb Hill
Executive Admin. Assistant