A Worthy Walk
by Jacob Kemp
ἄξιος – worthy, deserving, proper or fitting.
When I think of the word “worthy” an image is conjured up in my mind of a person who has gone through trials or has been tested, and has produced the unexpected result of success. There was a question all along as to whether they would or even could measure up, yet because of their steadfast action they are now considered worthy. It was their actions, their choices, and their desire that showed the worth. A person is considered worthy of something because of their acts. In a sense it is the very choice or action that is worthy.
During the Middle Ages when a king had a great and noble task it was the priveledge of the knights of his court, who alone were worthy, to complete it. The burden was upon them to serve their lord. This word ἄξιος or “worthy” shows up several times in the New Testament in conjunction with the calling of God’s servants [us]. There are three verses in particular where a charge is given by Paul; to various churches imploring them to live worthy lives as Christians.
Reading – Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:9-10; 1 Thesselonians 2:12.
Meditation – What is the calling we have received? What does it look like for us to walk in a worthy manner of that calling? (see Eph 4:2-3) We are God’s servants just as Christ was. We are God’s priveledged knights who alone are called to complete God’s noble task – that is the spread of His message. We walk in a worthy manner not in order to gain Salvation, but because we have already been given it. Will we choose to walk in a worthy manner today?