Walk On!
I know there are probably several readers that truly enjoy running. They love the rush, the speed, and the achievement of the run. Some may even have a “26.2” sticker proudly on their car bumper, signifying a tremendous dedication to running. But as for me, I’d rather walk. The only thing I like about running is finishing! While I appreciate the workout, calories burned, and bragging rights, I do not enjoy the actual running part. Walking, however, is extremely enjoyable for me. I love experiencing the cool spring mornings in Houston, feeling the sun on my arms, recharging to good music in my ears, and accomplishing several miles before I tire.
Our lives can be compared to a walk or a long journey. Comparing his life to a long walk, Israel said this when he was introduced to Pharoah, king of Egypt: “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty” (Gen. 47:9 NIV). Israel had journeyed on this earth for a long time, walking and walking. If our years are meant to be spent walking on this earth, then we should pay attention to how we walk.
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph. 4:1-3 (NKJV)
This admonition from the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus is Godly advice for believers today. Walking with humility, gentleness, patience, and love may not always be easy, but is the kind of walk to which we are obliged in view of all Christ has done for us. Paul had much to say about how Christians should walk and he urged the early Christians to walk and live like Christians. Like those new converts, we should walk:
Differently than we used to (Eph. 2:2)
On the path God has prepared for us (Eph. 2:10)
Worthy of God’s calling on us (Eph. 4:1)
Imitating God by walking in love (Eph. 5:2)
As children of the light and not the darkness (Eph. 5:15)
Carefully, with wisdom (Eph. 5:15)
As Paul told the Galatians, “If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit] (Gal. 5:25 AMP).
Brewer’s Dictionary of Modern Phrase & Fable puts it this way: “If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it just may be a duck.” It should be clear that we are Christ followers when people see us. It should be evident that we have put on Christ and accepted His overwhelming love and extreme forgiveness when people watch how we live. And it should be obvious that we have submitted to Jesus as both Lord and King when they hear us speak.
Do not be mistaken though, our walk with Jesus does not have to be laborious – it can be glorious. I know my most delightful walks are amidst beautiful views. Taking in the sights of God’s glorious creation makes the walk go by faster. Walking through the beauty and majesty of nature is more fun, gratifying, and leaves me energized. A breathtaking view can make every step of the walk worth the effort.
Because the view is important, let us keep in view all Christ has done for us (see above!). Keeping our eyes fixed on Him, our Savior, Redeemer, Good Shepherd, Father, and Friend, surely helps us on our walk. Remembering the freedom, healing, and relationship He purchased for us through His death and resurrection makes every step of our walk worth the effort. Further, the path He has prepared for us is filled with wonderful things and leads ultimately to a glorious destination. Because He called us out of darkness we now can live in His true light and share that light with others. We do not have to remain in the dark, and we do not have to be unwise. Jesus has made the way for us to both live and walk in the Spirit of God.
Our pilgrimage is anything but boring! If you have been trudging through your days lately, if it seems like your walk is always uphill, or if you are just weary from the journey, I invite you to open your eyes to the view of all Jesus has done for us. With a grateful heart, in light and wisdom, I pray that you are strengthened by the Holy Spirit to remain faithful in your walk, and to see all the good and wonderful things planned for you along the way!
