As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (Eph. 4:1)
Expanded Passage: Ephesians 4:1-2
As an English professor, one of the hardest things about the new year is buckling down to teach after the nice break and Christmas festivities. Launching a new semester in the dead of winter is a motivational challenge for teachers, but imagine what it is like for young adults to have to return to the pressure and grind of coursework. What keeps me going is my God-given calling to teach and mentor young people. I am blessed to teach at a Christian university where I am encouraged to witness and minister to my students.
The apostle Paul admonished us “to live a life worthy of the calling.” Here he appeared to be referring to our general calling to conduct ourselves as children of the Most High God, but a bit later in this passage, he pointed to specific callings and gifts. Perhaps this year, instead of committing to various New Year’s resolutions—to lose weight, exercise more, or pay off credit cards—we should examine our lives in terms of our callings.
At the threshold of this new year, let us ask the Lord for direction on what he wants us to do. Are we walking in a manner worthy of his calling? What is a worthy use of our time and gifts? Ask the Lord to make his calling for your life clear.
Resolve to answer God’s calling on your life in this new year.
Lisa Riggs serves as associate professor of English and literature at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. She enjoys visiting with family, writing poetry, and painting landscapes.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
