DCLM Daily Manna

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

New Nature And A Worthy Walk

KEY VERSE
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” (Ephesians 4:1).

Bible Reading:
Ephesians 4:1-3 (KJV)

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

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MESSAGE

During the reign of King Karl XI in Sweden, there was an attempt to domesticate moose as an alternative to horses for use in cavalry. The king sought a more formidable presence to intimidate enemy forces. However, it became evident that moose were too dangerous to manage, prone to disease, and had specific dietary needs that were challenging to meet. Additionally, their intelligence posed a logistical issue, as they would avoid areas where other moose had died, complicating their deployment in warfare.

The saying “a cassock cannot make a priest” emphasises the difference between outward appearance and true inward value. A cassock, often worn by clergy, does not automatically confer priesthood on the wearer. This further explains the difficulty in attempting to use the moose in battle instead of the horse. Paul described himself as a prisoner of the Lord. He had the option of living a free life like others, but he chose to invest his life in serving the Master despite the risks. He enjoined Ephesian believers to walk worthy of their vocation, emphasising the importance of bearing the right fruit and living in unity with the brethren. He emphasised the beauty of living the new life in Christ, in unity with the brethren, with all lowliness, meekness and longsuffering.

It all begins with the process leading to the salvation experience. A penitent seeker begins by sensing the need for salvation in the heart, follows that up with genuine repentance and confession of sin, and places his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, accepting Him as Saviour and Lord. The absence of this foundation has produced the so-called believers, who lack the grace to live righteously in the present evil world. It has also given occasion for people to doubt the claims of Christians, a situation worsened by the appearance of many false ministers whose character and practices are at variance with the gospel.

You need to observe the following: Do not open up to people who claim to be servants of God until you see proof of their calling and Christian character. It is also not safe to lay hands suddenly on anyone who claims to have a call, without first verifying them. Furthermore, we need to recognise that conversion is necessary, so we don’t put forward the moose instead of a horse.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If he can’t be safely imitated, he shouldn’t be tolerated in the pulpit

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BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Numbers 16-18

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COMMENTARY

1. The New Nature Produces a Worthy Walk – Salvation is not merely a change of label; it is a transformation of nature. Paul urges believers to walk worthy of their calling because they have been given a new nature in Christ. The outward walk must match the inward reality. A cassock cannot make a priest, and religious appearance cannot substitute for genuine conversion.

2. The Mark of a Worthy Walk – Paul describes the worthy walk as marked by lowliness, meekness, longsuffering, and forbearing one another in love. These are not natural virtues but fruits of the Spirit. They demonstrate that a person has truly been changed by grace. Where these qualities are absent, the reality of the new nature is questionable.

3. The Foundation of Conversion – The devotional stresses that everything begins with genuine salvation—repentance, confession, and faith in Christ. Without this foundation, people become “so-called believers” who lack the grace to live righteously. This is why verifying the character of those who claim to be ministers is essential.

4. The Danger of False Ministers – The illustration of the moose and the horse warns against putting forward the wrong thing. False ministers whose character contradicts the gospel damage the testimony of the church. Believers must not be quick to endorse or lay hands on anyone without proof of calling and Christian character.

5. The DCLM Ministry’s Call to Authentic Christianity – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry emphasizes that salvation must be genuine and that Christian character must match Christian profession. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that believers must examine themselves and ensure their walk aligns with their calling. The Daily Manna devotional calls readers to pursue authentic Christianity.

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About DCLM and Daily Manna

The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) was founded in 1973 by Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi. From a small Bible study of 15 students in Lagos, it has grown into a global ministry with churches across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The ministry emphasizes holiness, prayer, Bible study, and authentic Christian living.

DCLM Daily Manna is a daily devotional written by Pastor Kumuyi. Each edition provides Scripture reading, exposition, and practical application to guide believers in their daily walk with God. The devotional consistently calls readers to walk worthy of their calling.

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Prayer Reflection
Lord, thank You for the new nature You have given me in Christ. Help me to walk worthy of my calling, with lowliness, meekness, and love. Guard me from hypocrisy and false religion. Give me discernment to recognize authentic servants of God and to avoid those whose lives contradict the gospel. In Jesus’ name. Amen.