What a tremendous thing the Apostle Paul said to the church at Ephesus. Let me share just one verse with you today.
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1).
Paul is having a heart-to-heart talk with the Ephesian believers. He reminds them of the price he is paying to serve the Lord and make possible their spiritual blessings. He appeals to them on the basis of his imprisonment.
(I will change the names, but please think of this with me.) Loretta was going through the checkbook of her elderly mother who was now Home with the Lord. Her mother was quite an independent lady who never was open to discussing her finances with any of her daughters. Loretta was grieved to see the checks that her mom had written to a particular televangelist who had been indicted on charges of fraud. He lived in extravagance and luxury while begging people to support him. Not so with the Apostle Paul. When he appealed to people, it was on the basis of his example of imprisonment, not luxury. Never did Paul beg for funds. He truly appreciated the prayers and support of believers. He always asked that believers would walk worthy of the Lord. Quite a difference, I would say.
For today: The Lord is worthy of my obedience. Paul the Apostle is so correct!