In the New Testament, the phrase “walk worthy” appears three times, with a fourth, in Revelation 3:4, referencing some in Sardis described by the Lord, “who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”
Such a walk should be the desire of every child of God. Fortunately, the texts do a good job of characterizing that walk, giving us insight. So how can we walk worthy of the calling to which we have been called as God’s children?
Take first Ephesians 4:1-3. Here Paul describes our walk as it interacts with others. We are to walk with “lowliness” (having a humble view of oneself; modesty; humility). We are to be gentle to others. We are to be “longsuffering.” We are to “bear” (to put up with; to bear up with equanimity) “with one another in love.” Finally we are to seek to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” In fact, verses 4-6 are used to establish the basis of that appeal to unity. So, a worthy walk includes appropriate interactions with others, especially our brethren.
In Colossians 1:10-12, Paul again writes about the “worthy walk.” In this passage the is more attuned to our relationship with God Himself. The call is prefaced with the prayer they may “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (9). So, a knowledge of God’s will is necessary in order to “fully” please Him. Such knowledge is necessary to be “fruitful in every good work.” In fact, “increasing in the knowledge of God” is a part of that worthy walk. As is being “strengthened with all might.” (The heroes of faith accomplished great things with God’s help; cf. Hebrews 11:33-44; and Paul himself stated that the could “do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). That might shows itself in patience, and a joyous reaction to being longsuffering toward others. Finally, the worthy walk includes the giving of thanks to God.
In 1 Thessalonians 2 the worthy walk is called for once again. Looking at the remainder of the chapter, it includes welcoming the truths of God (13), and the imitating of others who are faithful (14).
Finally, the worthy walk in Revelation 3 is contrasted with being “dead.” The worthy Christian does not defile his “garments” as he is faithful in executing the will of the Lord.
These instructions remind me to the two great commandments. Love God (with all your heart, soul, mind, and spirit); and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31). A worthy walk is a walk that puts God first. To do so you must diligently apply yourself to obeying His will. A worthy walk treats others well, with kindness, gentleness, longsuffering, love. These are the hallmarks of a “worthy walk.”
