"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Ephesians 4:1 (NIV)

“Worthy” in the verse above pictures a balanced scale. On the one side of the scale is “the calling you have received.” You have been called to faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Through faith in him, you are forgiven for your sins and a member of God’s kingdom. This calling was given to you in the water of your baptism and through God’s Word that creates and sustains faith. All of this was God’s work done in you because he is gracious and loves you.

On the other side of the scale is “live a life worthy.” Our conduct should match our calling. Because we are purified of sin, we turn away from sin and do not want to live in it. This is repentance. We look to Jesus for forgiveness – which he already won for us at the cross! In him, we seek to do things that are pleasing to God. We do not look for or make excuses for sin. We look for ways to reflect the reality that we belong to the holy and perfect Savior.

Seek balance in your life as you trust in Jesus and receive from him the grace he promises to all who believe. Then live in a way that reflects the purity that is in you.

 

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling