Zion Williamson is a 21-year-old NBA player who was the number one draft pick in 2019. Players, coaches, and fans all agree that he has the potential to be the best player in the NBA; however, Williamson hasn’t played a game since May 2021. Hampered with injuries, Williamson has had to take time off to recover and has reportedly gained a signfiicant amount of weight during his time off, putting his career in jeopardy. Williamson is a tremendous ball player, but it seems he hasn’t been living a lifestyle to support his career. Players, coaches, and fans are concerned that this young man might jeopardize his future if he can’t get back in shape to play the game. His profession demands physical conditioning and if he doesn’t live his life in that way, he will miss out on that profession.

“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” (Ephesians 4:1)

In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul begged the church members to lead a life worthy of their calling. Because they had been called by God, their lives needed to be lived in a way that was worthy of that calling. We have been called by God as well and we too need to lead lives worthy of that calling. Paul gave many examples of how we can live a life that is worthy of God’s calling.

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)

How big of a difference would those five things make in your life? Always be (1) humble, (2) gentle, (3) patient with one another, (4) make allowance for each other’s faults, and (5) make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit. We can aim to live a life worthy of our calling by striving for these five areas. What a difference it would make if we were always gentle with our children. What a difference it would make if we were patient with each other. How would your life change if you allowed for faults in others because of your love for them? How far would Satan flee if you made every effort to keep yourself united in the Spirit?

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3)

I don’t know if basketball is Zion Williamson’s calling, but it is his career at this moment and he’s not living a lifestyle worthy of that career. In the same way, since we have been called by God, our lifestyle needs to match up with that calling. This is why the old needs to be gone; this is why we need to be done with those sinful ways of the past, before we answered God’s call. God has given us all we need to live a godly life—that means we have no excuses for not living a godly life! God has certainly called you. Does your life match up? Will you put in every effort to lead a life worthy of your calling?

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.