Word for Wednesday

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10

A friend of ours who lived in a basement apartment nearby related how shocked she was at the bad language from the woman who rented the upstairs of the house. Our friend found this remarkable, because this woman took a very active part in a large conservative evangelical church, where she was (and still is) one of their leading singers. This woman put on a very good face and performance when she was around the church. But her manner of life was entirely different when she was arguing with her husband in her own home, where the church members could not see or hear her. I’m not saying her husband did not deserve the rough side of her tongue, but there is never an excuse for profanity and obscenities, especially not from a professing Christian. It is difficult to say if this woman is truly saved. But if she is, she is surely not walking worthy of the Lord, who sees her both at home and in public. A consistent godliness is a walk that is worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing. Does my walk meet this standard? Does yours?

Today’s text is part of Paul’s prayer for the folks in Colosse. He sets a high standard for these people, and for us. And we have all come short of it, perhaps every day. How can we tell if our walk is worthy of the Lord? Just stop and ask yourself, before you go anywhere, Is this where the Lord Jesus would want me to go? Ask yourself before you speak, Is this what the Lord Jesus would want me to say? Ask yourself before you pick up something to read, Is this what the Lord Jesus would appreciate seeing me read? And so forth. Stopping to think about our words, our actions, and our activities will help us to focus on language, behaviour, and pursuits that are worthy of our Lord.

What difference does it make? How important is it for us to be consistent in our godliness. Take the profane-and-holy woman I mentioned earlier: her inconsistent behavior has discouraged our friend from going to hear the Gospel at that church. Inconsistent Christians are seen by the world as hypocrites and fakes. They give the unsaved another excuse to reject invitations to hear the Gospel, and they give fodder to those who would mock the Gospel and its Saviour.

What a lovely goal for today: to walk worthy of the Lord! -Jim MacIntosh

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