WALKING WORTHY OF THE LORD

  “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious Power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father Who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” (Colossians 1:10-12)

Revd. Sidney Elijah Adenaike Ph.D

July 4, 2025

This opening verse is a call to action - follow the example of Christ, demonstrate integrity, humility, and love. Live a life pleasing to God, characterized by good works, patience and growing in the knowledge of God (Read Ephesians 4:1 and 1 Thessalonians 2:12).  

To “walk” with the Lord in the New Testament refers to our daily conduct. As a Christian, our way of life (words, thought and deeds) should not only be ‘good’ but be worthy of the Lord. (Read Thessalonians 2:12; Ephesians 4:1). The term “worthy” signifies that our actions should match our words, and our outward presentation should match our inward convictions. The opening Scripture lists four areas:

· Being fruitful in every good work

· Increasing in the knowledge of God

· Using the power of God to endure and persevere

· Giving thanks to the Father for what He has done.

Paul offered the prayer because he did not want those who profess Christ to have intellectual knowledge only, but rather the kind of spiritual knowledge that will be the controlling and motivating power in every aspect of their lives. He did not want any of us to be like those mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:7-9 who are: “ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” or even those who “resist the truth.” The Bible teaches that: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) So, the call to walk “worthy of the Lord” is a call to live by faith and uprightness.

The Apostle Paul used the phrase “walk worthy” to remind believers that they have been called “with a holy calling” and that they must live their lives in confirmation of their belonging to Christ (2 Timothy 1:9). He referred to Jesus words: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  

James 2:14 sounds a warning to those believers who do not walk worthy of their calling and denotes their faith as ‘dead’ or no faith at all. We should take obedience to God as a motivating influence for worship, moment-by-moment obedience, intimate fellowship and diligent service. Importantly, we always must remember that as believers we are in this world, but not of it. The Apostle Paul tells us that we have been called by God the Father: 

· out of darkness into God’s marvellous Kingdom of Light 

· out of slavery to sin into freedom 

· out of the kingdom of Satan into the Kingdom of God.

We have been adopted as heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Read Acts 26:18; Romans 6:16–18; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Colossians 1:13; 1 Peter 2:9). 

As humans we rely on His divine power to “walk worthy”, therefore, we must endeavour to know Him intimately, hear His voice regularly, share our heart with Him, and always seek to please Him. To walk worthy of the Lord, we must build the right habits, and we must have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).

We have to put our trust in God and believe in His goodness, strength, power, wisdom, character, unwavering love, promises, and ability to provide and guide. That involves acknowledging God always and seeking His guidance in decision-making, even in difficult and unpredictable circumstances (finding comfort and strength in hardship). It also involves faith that He will keep His promises and honour His word (Psalms 25:1-7). The Bible states: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5; Read Philippians 4:13).

As we rely upon the Lord for His grace and favour, and come to Him in prayer, we will find His mercy and help in times of need. As we rely on the Lord for strength, He will in addition grant us resources needed to live for His glory and empower us to resist temptations and endure trials as they come (Ephesians 6:10 - 11). 

“Therefore, by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His Name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”(Hebrews 13:15-16). 

God is honoured when you give Him the fruit of your lips. Even though humans measure their giving by material value, nothing compares to giving spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5).   

We saw that God rejected the sacrifices of King Saul on account of his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22). Some sacrifices that God is “well pleased” with are spiritual, for example: 

· The Sacrifice of a broken heart (Psalm 51:17)

· The Sacrifices of righteous living (Proverbs 21:3; Hosea 6:6) 

· The sacrifice to offer yourself is the greatest gift (Romans 12:1-2) 

As children of the Kingdom, all Christians are called to live lives that reflect their identity, constantly honouring God as the only One worthy of the highest honour as befits His Majesty. God’s omnipotence and splendour warrant the praise of all creation—both in heaven and on earth, Revelation 4:11 says: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive Glory and Honour and Power; for You created all things, and by Your Will they exist and were created.” 

Praise and worship are a fundamental part of walking with God (1 Chronicles 23:30; Psalm 92:2; Psalm 59:16), strengthening faith, deepening intimacy with God (James 4:8), and inviting His presence and power, bringing freedom, deliverance and victory (James 4:8; Psalm 100:4; Acts 16:25-26; Romans 4:20). 

Through acts such as singing, dancing, praying, and reading scripture, believers express their reverence and gratitude for God's holiness, sovereignty, wisdom, and abundant blessings (2 Chronicles 5:11-14; 2 Chronicles 20:15-20; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 18:3; Psalm 63:1-5). Praise and worship are both a declaration of His worth and a vital source of spiritual renewal and joy (Psalm 16:11; Psalm 63:1–5). 

To glorify God in our lives and by our faith is the duty of all believers (1 Peter 4:10–11). We read that Abraham glorified God and trusted Him, that he did not doubt God’s word regarding His promise (2 Corinthians 1:18–20; Romans 4:19–20). The Bible says: “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (John 4:23).  

By glorifying God, we acknowledge His power and authority, reflect on His greatness, majesty and honour and recognize Him as the only source of all good things. The Scripture teaches that God created us for His glory (Isaiah 43:7) and commanded us to: “Do everything for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Therefore, we must strive to do all for His glory, whether it's our work, relationships or personal choices. “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom belong the glory and the Dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11)

We glorify God by demonstrating His Love through your actions, for example: 

· Living an honourable life among unbelievers or being sexual pure 

· Living in a way that demonstrates respect for God and by producing spiritual fruit

· Reflecting God’s character and giving honour to Him in daily life. 

Glorifying God is not about earning His favour but about reflecting His glory and living a life devoted to and in accordance with His will. 

Knowing God personally goes beyond simply knowing about Him. It involves a deep, relational understanding. It is about building a relationship with Him, feel His presence, hear His voice, and experience His love and guidance in our lives. It is also about trust and reliance on His power and wisdom. The Bible says: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). 

God has given us the perfect way to communicate with Him through prayer. We seek His guidance in making choices and decisions and navigating life's challenges.  It is the way of showing gratitude and appreciation towards Him for hearing and answering our prayers. It also strengthens our faith in Him.  

With the Bible God has provided us this perfect tool that helps us to understand who He is and how to worship Him. The Word of God provides answers to all our questions. We may ‘hear’ God through our hearts and minds, emotions, thoughts, or circumstances. We observe the environment and recognize God’s Presence in the beauty and wonder of the natural world. 

The will of God is expressed in the Bible, outlined as His commands, plans, purposes and desires. Knowing God’s will is synonymous with knowing His mind. The Bible states: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect Will of God.”(Romans 12:2) Another way to know and do the will of God is to be guided by the Holy Spirit.   

One of the surest ways of pleasing God is studying scripture, meditating on it and increasing our knowledge of Him. Obey His instructions, order your conduct accordingly and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit to do the will of God in all aspects of your Christian life. The Bible says: “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) Compliance positively influences every choice and decision in life. It will induce change in our character and way of behaving until we are fully conformed to the Image of Christ. The Bible states: “Make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His Sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:21)

It is unfortunate that people allow themselves to be drawn away from the word and will of God in ignorance through secular media –internet, gaming and social media. It is very clear that if we spend most of our time with the world, we will not have enough time for the word of God.  

God requires us to fellowship with other believers in the Christian assembly and keep the unity of the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:14-18). The Bible states: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”(Hebrews 12:14; also read 2 Timothy 2:22). Fellowship with other believers motivates us to put our faith into practice, loving and bearing with one another. Sharing the gospel with others brings the joy of participating in God’s work of extending His Kingdom. 

The present world celebrates violence, terrorism, crime, fraud, sexual perversion and hatred, and seems to despise sanity, morality, uprightness and Christian values. In this context it is more important than ever to develop a personal relationship with God through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are called upon to follow Jesus’ command to go into the world and preach the gospel to all people and mirror God’s love, generosity, and compassion in our interactions. Connect with others by loving and serving in diverse ways. (Mark 16:15) The lost should be brought back into the sheepfold of Christ and believers who are also seeking to know God personally be brought into the fellowship. We must use our gifts and talents to serve others and contribute to the growth and development of the Body of Christ (Read John 13:34). 

 Walking worthy of the Lord involves continually showing gratitude to God by acknowledging His goodness, faithfulness and provisions. It is also expressing thanks for all He has done for us in the past, what He is doing for us presently, and what He is going to do in future. We can convey gratitude through prayer. Thanksgiving in all circumstances is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us all (1 Thessalonians 5:17- 18). The Bible is filled with admonitions and commands to give thanks to God (Psalm 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; Psalm 136:3; 1 Chronicles 16:34).  Expressing thankfulness to God means that we recognize His sovereignty and His worthiness to receive our thanksgiving, honour and praise. It also shows that we recognize our total dependence on Him (2 Corinthians 4:15).  

The Psalmist says: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His Name.” (Psalm 100:4) “serving the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2; see also 1 Peter 4:8–11) Displays of gratitude are the following:

· Praise and worship

· Serving others and showing love and compassion

· Obedience to God’s commands

· Giving to those in need to give back to God.

We should always be in the attitude of thankfulness when we come to God in prayer. He is the source of our lives and the core of our being. He made us, and we belong to Him. David said: “We are His people, the sheep of His Pasture.”(Psalm 100:3) We must pray in Jesus’ name to give glory to God. The Bible says: “Whatever you ask in My Name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). Paul expressed his gratitude in service: “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord Who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Timothy 1:12; Psalm 34:1; Psalm 103:1). We are to be thankful not only for the things we like, but also for the circumstances we do not like. We must thank Him for His unfailing promise that says: “All things will work together for the good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28; James 1:17). The Bible teaches that thankfulness keeps our hearts in right relationship to the giver of all good gifts (Romans 11:33–36; John 3:27). 

Many of us are quicker to receive from God than to thank Him (Read Luke 17:11-19). Have we ever asked why God loved David so much and called him a man after His own Heart? What could David give that God did not have? The answer is - thanksgiving. David knew how to praise, thank and worship God. In Psalm 116:12, David said: “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” Giving thanks to God keeps our hearts in right relationship with Him and saves us from a host of harmful emotions and attitudes (Philippians 4.:6–7). 

Being humble and patient before God means that we acknowledge our limitations and recognize that we are not self-sufficient, that our success and well-being are by His grace. It also shows that we trust in His divine Plan, rather than relying solely on our own abilities and desires. This approach allows for a deeper connection with God and fosters a more peaceful and fulfilling life. Jesus, of course, is the perfect example of humility (Philippians 2:1-11).

Patience is the capacity to tolerate challenges or delays without getting upset, angry, or frustrated. It suggests trusting in God’s timing and waiting for His guidance, even when things do not go as we expect. Practicing humility and patience before God leads to a deeper connection with Him, a greater sense of peace, and a more fulfilling life. 

Patience is also endurance with each other, showing tolerance and putting up with one another, bearing with one another, and for one another (Exodus 34:6). As a fruit of the Spirit, patience provides us with the ability of a measured response to any kind of provocation, to persevere, knowing that God is working for our good. 

God honours us when we are humble, because we subject ourselves to His guidance (Psalm 25:9). The surest way to learn humility is going the way of Christ – serving others using whatever gift we have received from God, with all the strength God gave to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace (1 Peter 4:11). “No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person.” (1 Cor 10:24) When we make lifestyle choices with the good of others in mind, we glorify God. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”(Mark 10:45; Read also James 4:10)