Does it seem strange to you that Paul would urge the Ephesians to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called?" After all, when one obeys the gospel he becomes a new creature new in point of quality. That means that he gains a character completely unlike what existed before.

Conversion is such a radical change that it is described as nothing less than a resurrection from the dead, a passing from death unto life. (Eph 2:1; I John 3:14) The convert rises from the grave of water to "walk in newness of life.' (Rom 6:4)

Why should a person with a new life and a new character have to be told to "walk worthy," to live in harmony with the faith which he has embraced? The answer is that many professing Christians are not practicing Christians.

This was underscored for me some years ago when I visited the Christian Publications Book Store on 8th Avenue in New York City. As I entered the door, I noticed a sign which said, "Shoplifters will be prosecuted under penalty of the law. The store had an area in which tapes of recorded music were displayed. There were earphones for prospective customers to listen to sample tapes. Overhead was a sign which read: "These songs are not complete! They are not worth stealing."

I had no way of knowing who the customers were, but judging from the type of merchandise sold, it appeared that virtually all of them would be professing Christians. And it was something of a shock to realize that a store owner would find it necessary to express such concern that "Christians" would steal the products he offered for sale.

In contrast with that, a federal judge with whom I work once received the "Brooks Hays Memorial Christian Citizenship Award." The award is named for a former U. S. congressman and is given "to recognize persons who have applied their Christian faith to public service." Upon learning of this award, I again felt shocked. If such an award is to be given, the judge is probably a worthy recipient. But the shocking thing about it is that so few people really practice what they preach that it is necessary to so honor the few who do.

The "Christians" who disgrace themselves and the Lord who bought them are legion. The real McCoys are few. A survey conducted in the United States not long ago revealed that 96 percent of the people interviewed believed in God. However, 72 percent of the believers acknowledged that their belief in God had nothing to do with their ethical behavior. It didn't, but it should have.

The news media constantly remind us that "Christians" are involved in the uncivil war in Lebanon. Imagine that! Professed followers of Him who refused to allow a sword to be raised in his defense firing rockets at their enemies.

Or look at the blood bath in Ireland where "Christians" are fighting "Christians." It is almost commonplace to read of "Christians" who have engaged in income tax evasion, fraudulent schemes of every kind, shameful behavior of the most unspeakable sort.

This is not a new phenomenon, however. Even in Apostolic times there were liars in the Jerusalem church (Acts 5:4); immoral persons at Corinth (I Cor 5:11-13); and those who had left their first love at Ephesus (Rev 2:4).

The lesson is clear. If you chose to be merely a nominal Christian, you'll have plenty of company. But if you chose to be a genuine Christian, even though you'll have less company, you'll have better company--Christians you can really trust.--1713 Savannah, Fort Smith, AR 72901