“No longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity… Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:17-19,22-24
“Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God… At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light… Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:1-2,8,15-18
The Lord is concerned with how and where His people walk. Life is a journey intended to be strode with Him, so the path, pace, and tenor should reflect His temperament, gait, and destination. Before Christ, man wandered in foolishness and sin, bound for wrath, but in Christ, the new self, with renewed Spirit, walks in love and holy purpose.
Futile walking is without direction or sense. It sets out spiritually dead, blind to foolish ways, insensitive to sin, ignorant of final destination. Calloused hearts make for hardened feet that do not seek out God’s good paths.
When the Lord saves us, He gives a whole new mindset and purpose. As we gradually, through obedience and sanctification, learn His new ways, we find the path before us bright and clear. He shapes our character with new unselfish and Christ-like temperament, desire, and manner. His word makes sense of decisions, and directs our choices and paths. His Spirit provides divine energy and zeal. He leads us in love to companions to walk alongside for refinement and encouragement. (Psalm 119:105; Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 2:1-5; Romans 12:1-2)
What characterizes our walk with Christ? Is our gait in rhythm with love, mercy, and concern for others? Do we hurry ahead of His timing, or wait patiently to learn by matching our steps with His stride? What tendencies of self-absorption, greed, stubbornness, or pride do we need to confess and put off in order to be unhindered? How will we dedicate ourselves to His word and dependent prayer to better align our pace and destination with the Lord’s? (Hebrews 12:1-3)
“When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. ” ~ John Sammis (1887)
Lord, keep me in step with You, to Your ends and honor.
As the rain and snow 