Lead a life worthy of the calling

EPHESIANS 4:1-16

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Worthy? Lord,
who is worthy?
Worthy of your love
of your calling
of being claimed and named by you...
No one is worthy
except you, O Lord.
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!!

How could I possibly lead
a "life worthy of the calling?"
Only with deep humility,
gracefulness, gentleness, patience,
forgiving others as I have been forgiven.
And these are gifts, abilities, graces
that your Holy Spirit gives to me, to us.

On my own,
I tend to hold grudges,
stew in anger,
stay trapped in the vortex of anxiety, worry, despair...

With you, by the power of your Spirit,
I lift my voice in praise.
I lift my eyes to your glory.
I lift my heart to your very heart of love.
I live my life by your standards.

Come, Holy Spirit,
enable me to live up to your high calling:
Beloved Child of God
Disciple of Jesus Christ
Member of the Body of Christ
Creature among Creation
Loved,
Forgiven,
Set free,
Equipped,
Called,
Charged to love and to lead.
Only with your help, Holy Spirit,
Only by your help.
Amen.