1. Those who are known to seek after God are considered worthy.
And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. Matt 10:11
So when they came to a city or town, did they introduce themselves as disciples of Christ and ask if there might be someone who might be willing to host them? If so, the local people would likely send them to someone who was known to seek after the things of God. So in that sense, being "worthy" would mean seeking after God in a forthright, overt, and open manner. It would also mean that your "walk" matches your "talk"; after all, the locals aren't likely to recommend hypocrites to host visitors.
2. Those who embrace God's messengers are worthy.
And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Matt 10:12-14
Salute means 'to draw to one's self'. In those days, the salute was a greeting that communicated joy, respect and affection. It usually included an embrace and friendly kiss. Jesus instructed his disciples to salute the house immediately. In other words, reach out to the hosts with an embrace and kiss. If the salute is returned, the house is worthy, and you can extend peace (harmony and concord) to the household. However, if the salute is rebuffed, the house is not worthy, and you can keep your harmony and concord to yourself.
An important lesson to keep in mind when witnessing to others: when a person is openly hostile to you as a disciple of Christ or to the message of Christ, let him be and go your way in peace.
3. Those who put Christ first are worthy.
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Matt 10:37-42
If a man can be put off from following God by loved ones or concern for self (taketh not his cross), he is not worthy of Christ. How much of our resources are consumed soliciting the interest of unworthy people? How much effort is wasted trying to pique the interest of the casual attender? How much attention do we squander upon people who have very little interest in the things of God?
Yes, we are to share the gospel with every creature - interested or disinterested, worthy or unworthy, open or hostile. But our peace, harmony, and concord are to be reserved for the worthy by the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ, who also showed this pattern in his earthly ministry.
Jesus Christ preached to the multitudes; His message was available to ALL. A portion of those multitudes left all and followed him, desiring to know him better. Twelve of that group that followed him became more than "hearers"; they became "doers" and messengers. Jesus shared deeper truths with these twelve messengers, such as the meanings of the publicly-taught parables. Three of the twelve disciples had even closer intimacy with Jesus, being called away unto him at special times such as his transfiguration.
May I remember the pattern taught and shown by Jesus. Share the gospel with the multitudes. Share my peace, harmony, and concord with those who are consistently following Jesus. Mine the Bible for deeper truths with those who have devoted their lives to his work. Share the special times and trials of my life with those few trusted souls who love Christ more than their own lives.
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