I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called – Eph 4:1

What does it mean to “walk worthy of our calling to which we have been called?” 

The Puritans would often differentiates between two specific types of callings: the general and the specific. The general calling is universal to all believers – a call to embrace Christianity and live according to biblical truth. William Perkins, a Puritan theologian, explains this concept in his work  “A Treatise of Vocations” by emphasizing duties that all Christians are called to without exception:

• calling on the Lord’s name,
• contributing to the welfare of the church
• exhibiting love towards fellow believers
• walking in a worthy manner.

A specific calling, however, is more personal and unique. It refers to the individual roles, gifts, and responsibilities God bestows upon each person. Ephesians 4:7 and 4:11 highlight this, showing how different individuals are called to various roles like apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Specific callings are not limited to the church only but extend to all lawful professions; when done in love for the common good do glorify God.

The Puritans placed a high value on the idea that every believer has a particular role to play in the world, which is a calling from God. They believed that through diligent work in their specific callings, individuals could glorify God and contribute to the common good. This view was revolutionary at the time, as it elevated ordinary work to a status of spiritual significance, countering the prevailing notion that only religious vocations were truly valuable.

William Perkins also believed that through our vocations, individuals could not only provide for themselves and their families but also contribute to the common good, gain the ability to generously give to others in need,  and use their gifts in practical ways. He taught that a specific calling should meet 3 criteria: it should be lawful according to Scripture, suited to the individual’s abilities and situation, and should serve the common good. 

William Gurnall another Puritan writer, also emphasized the importance of ones calling in his classic work, “The Christian in Complete Armour.”  Like William Perkins, Gurnall believes that first and foremost key indicator for understanding one’s calling is that it should never go against the Bible. Secondly, one should earnestly seek God’s direction and be open to His leading through much prayer and much Godly counsel with mature believers. Personal abilities and gifts, opportunities and circumstances should all be taken into consideration along with inner conviction and peace that always accompanies a true calling despite its challenges. 

Knowing what one is called to, provides directions and boundaries on knowing what one is not called to; for it is just as dangerous to do what we are not called to do as to neglect or leave undone the duty of our place. Many souls are ruined at this door for failure to mind their own business as they attempt to mind the business of others instead.  Gurnall reminds us that God does not hold us accountable for another man’s work and that we often suffer needlessly when we bear burdens God never intended us to carry.

The concept of “walking worthy of our calling” in Ephesians 4:2 is about recognizing and responding to the both to the specific and general calls God places on our lives, living out our faith in practical ways, and contributing to the welfare and unity of the Christian community. 

However, before we can walk in a manner worthy of this calling, there has to be first an acknowledgement of having been called by God. Earlier in his letter, in Ephesians 1:18, Paul prayed the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened to know the hope of His calling. 

God’s Calling

God’s calling is a calling that awakens us from spiritual death to life, enabling us to perceive and embrace the gospel truth.

John 6:44 – No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.

The term ‘calling’ or ‘klesis’ in Greek means more than just an invitation, it signifies a powerful and personal summons from God. This divine call beckons us not only to accept salvation but to embody its truths in our lives. Unlike a mere invitation to an event, God’s calling is a transformative calling that reshapes our identity and purpose.

The call of God in our lives is often marked by moments of decision and crisis. God’s voice may reach us through various means – a human voice, written word, or the internal prompting of conscience. Responding to this call involves recognizing its weight and authority and obeying it through faith. It’s about hearing God’s voice and following Him, which marks us as one of ‘the called of Jesus Christ.’

Paul’s Calling

The Apostle Paul, in several of his New Testament letters, begins by referring to himself as “called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ.” This self-identification is not a boast but a recognition of the divine origin of his mission, his call. Paul’s calling was distinct – he was chosen by Christ to spread the Gospel. His life, post-conversion, was a testament to the transformative power of responding to God’s call. He went from persecuting Christians to becoming a staunch advocate for Christ, dedicating his life to preaching and teaching the good news. His epistles reflect the depth of his commitment and the seriousness with which he approached his calling.

Gentiles Calling

In the broader context of the book of Ephesians, Paul addresses the calling of the Gentiles, including the Ephesian believers and us today. The call to the Ephesians is by extension to all believers, it is a call to live out our faith in daily life, aligning their actions with Christ’s teachings.

Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 4:1 is a reminder that our calling as Christians is not merely a theoretical or doctrinal concept but a practical, day-to-day reality that we are to walk according to.  It effects every aspect of our lives and behavior and is not just for Sundays.  Instead, our calling is in the way we go about our life.

To be a Christian is to answer a calling in life that is worthy of great sacrifice, great honor and has great reward. It is a calling that should be held in high regard and deeply valued  and as such Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of this calling. Walk in a way that is consistent that reflects that we really do value His high calling. We are about to see that only when we are practicing humility, meekness, patience and forbearance, are walking in a manner worthy of our calling as a Christian. 

May His Word guide your steps, His love fill your heart, and His presence be your daily comfort.