Living Unworthy Lives!

The Scriptures exhort us to live (or walk) in a manner worthy of our calling; living that reveals a sincere desire to please the Lord. ( Colossians 1:10) [note also Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:27; 1 Thessalonians 2:12] Being called to live as followers of Jesus, our life is to reflect an appreciation for the salvation we have in Him. Our life is also to be a testimony of thankfulness to God for all the blessings He has provided and the sure hope He has laid before us. However, there is a sense in which such living may be marked by an unworthiness.

As the Hebrew writer brought his long list of heroes and heroines of faith to a close, he stated. . .
"(36) Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. (37) They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated -- (38) OF WHOM THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY -- wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth." ( Hebrews 11:36-38 ESV)

"Of whom THE WORLD was not worthy." Due to our refusal to be conformed to THIS WORLD ( Romans 12:2), THE WORLD may not value us. In our effort to live godly lives we may even be considered the "scum of THE WORLD." ( 1 Corinthians 4:13) However, the fact God sent His Son to die for us reveals His perception of our value. Is this acknowledgment reflected in the manner in which we live? Walking worthy of THIS WORLD may make us no better than THE WORLD. It is through living unworthy of THIS WORLD that we -- like Christ -- can be of the most good in and for THIS WORLD.

It is not until THE WORLD rightly values God and the wisdom of His Will that it will rightly value us. Let us remember -- like those of whom the Hebrew writer referred -- God has something better in mind for us than what THIS WORLD can offer. ( Hebrews 11:39-40) To be considered unworthy of THIS WORLD is an indicator of living prepared for the next; the eternal realm of God. May we find the steadfast joy of living the life that seeks above all the approval of God.

Have a great day BEING THE MOST BENEFIT TO THE WORLD BY LIVING FOR THE PRAISE OF GOD!
Carl

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