Three Aspects of Walking Worthy

Although the words in Paul’s letter to believers in Ephesus were penned two thousand years ago, they contain rich relevance for us today. Filled with wisdom on a wide array of specific topics, he shows us how to walk in a manner that’s worthy of our calling as God’s beloved children (Ephesians 4:1). As one commentary explains, “Christian living requires certain and specific actions. The Christian faith is not a passive religion; it is an aggressive pursuit of the productive and beneficial.”¹ 

Ephesians 5 touches on specific actions that have a profound impact on our pursuit of Jesus. Let’s look at three topics from this important book that show us how to walk worthy of our calling.

Sexual Purity: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.” (Ephesians 5:1-3 NLT)

Continuing one of his themes from chapter 4, Paul reminds believers here that we’re meant to live differently from the world in regard to sexual practices. We’ve thrown off our old selves and have been made new in the attitudes of our minds. Our hearts are no longer hardened or ignorant about sin. (4:18-24). In Christ, our habits, behaviors, and attitudes about sexual activity set us apart from the world because we have a “new nature” (4:24). Rather than taking our cues from popular culture, personal feelings, physical urges, or worldly influences, we seek the wisdom of the Bible as our guide. 

Of course, with the steady influence of the world, it’s still easy for believers to fall into misguided views on this topic. When we avoid hard truth in Scripture and float with the current of popular culture, we’re bound to make compromises when it comes to sex. Rather than being deceived or confused by current practices, let’s stand solidly on the wisdom of God’s Word that has remained unchanging for thousands of years. We need to open our Bibles and allow God’s truth to buff away the callouses of the world that desensitize us to sensuality and lust. Let’s stop normalizing habits of mind and body that ultimately damage our souls and our relationships. 

This is a sensitive topic that may make you uncomfortable. Will you invite the Lord to speak into your life around your views and practices regarding sex? 

Speech and Language: “Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.” (Ephesians 5:4, NLT) As with sexual practices, Paul continues his discussion from Ephesians 4. He explains language believers should avoid: Foul, abusive, obscene, foolish, coarse. He also lays out what language they should use instead: Good, helpful, encouraging, thankful (4:25-32).

Foul language has become pervasive in our culture. We’ve been desensitized by hearing it used frequently in media and by public figures. Because humans are prone to social contagion, we unconsciously mirror what we see and hear. The prevalence of swear words and harsh language used in casual conversation has become commonplace, even among followers of Jesus. Choosing to be intentional about preventing obscene and foul language from polluting our vocabularies sets us apart from the world. Being deliberate about speaking words of encouragement, kindness, and gratitude differentiates us and shows we’re walking in a manner worthy of our calling as followers of Jesus.

Have you allowed the world to influence the way you talk? Consider spending time with the Lord and inviting Him to search your heart and show you any behaviors, tendencies, or vocabulary that you need to confess. Let His cleansing mercy free you to walk unfettered by sin and to live worthy of your calling. 

Drinking Alcohol in Excess: “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:17-18, NLT)

Paul compares two different elements that have the power to control a person’s mind and behavior: alcohol and the Holy Spirit. The effects have vastly different results. One commentary explains, “Getting drunk leads to a loss of self-control; being filled with the Spirit leads to more self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). We cannot be controlled by both alcoholic spirits and the Holy Spirit at the same time. When we choose to ingest mind-altering substances, we are effectively choosing to give ourselves over to the control of something other than the Holy Spirit.”²  

Some believers avoid alcohol altogether while others drink in moderation. Regardless of where you stand on this issue, the Bible is clear that getting drunk isn’t harmless fun—it dishonors God, causes us to lose our inhibitions, and often leads to further sin. In a culture that celebrates and focuses on alcohol consumption, we need to be thoughtful as believers about how we handle this challenging topic. Let’s walk worthy of our calling, following the wisdom of Scripture: “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 CSB)

How might you be acting thoughtlessly when it comes to alcohol? Do you drink to numb negative emotions? Is alcohol your source of courage or relaxation? Is it the main ingredient required to have fun? What are you modeling for your kids or grandkids? Will you pray and invite God to speak into your views and habits around drinking and let Him renew your mind wherever you’ve gotten off track? (Romans 12:1-2)

Paul addresses many hard topics in Ephesians 4 & 5. While some of his words may cause conviction or discomfort, his purpose is to show us how to mature in our faith and avoid hindrances to our growth (Hebrews 12:1-2). His wisdom is for our good and God’s glory. “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Ephesians 5:15-17, NLT) 

If one of these topics brought the discomfort of conviction, don’t miss the opportunity to seek the Lord in prayer. Lean into your loving Heavenly Father, be honest with Him and confess where you’re struggling. He’s there to forgive you and guide you onto a better path that will bless you and honor Him.

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Inspired by Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger, Lifeway Press, 2024

• 1. Klyne Snodgrass, The NIV Application Commentary: Ephesians, Zondervan, 1996 as quoted in Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Perry, Holmes and Kruger, 133.
• 2. Got Questions Website