Christian Living

LEARNING TO WALK

by paul hoffmaster
08/27/17
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The Christian life is a life of progression.  It is more than simply confessing what we believe; rather, it is a continual life-changing experience that pursues the on-going revelations of the Holy Spirit.  

 In the book of Ephesians, Paul uses the word walk to emphasize the “normal” Believer’s journey.  He first states that we were created through Christ Jesus to walk in good works. (2:10)    We were not created to be a “statue” that could be abused and torn down, but a living example of the Kingdom of God.  Every day our lives should exhibit a living God.  The things we do should cause our communities to take notice that there is something greater than their needs and desires, and that is a loving God.  We are the visual aid to the near sighted people who doubt God’s capacity to care about them.  Second, we are to walk worthy of our calling. (4:1)  We are to behave appropriately.  We are to compliment what we confess to believe.  The characteristic of the world, which we may have shown before, is no longer visible.  People should be able to identify a Jesus follower right away.  Third, we walk free of carnal reasoning. (4:17)  Instead of trying to reason our way through life, we see things as Jesus would see them.  One of the biggest negatives in Believers lives is facing the world with carnal solutions.  We may use the Christian language, but it will avail nothing when our carnal minds seek to engage worldly challenges.  Fourth, we walk in love. (5:2)  This is not a fleshly love that causes emotional goose bumps, but a Christ love where one is willing to lay down his life for others.  It is not a point of feeling, but an action that affects another’s life.  When we are more concerned with others than ourselves, it is like an offering that lifts a sweet smelling aroma into the presence of God. (5:8)  Fifth, we walk as children of the light.(5:8)  Wherever the Christian goes, he is a light that dispels darkness.  No matter how dark the night, one little candle will cause darkness to flee.  Sadly, some Believers stay in their houses with their candles, lighting their own rooms instead of going out into their neighborhoods dispelling darkness.  Instead of having “candle light” services every Sunday, let us light up the community that is floundering in the darkness.  Sixth, we walk circumspectly. (5:15)  We must walk according to the intended Word of God.  We must accurately represent the Word.  There is no room for doctrinal interpretation that adds or takes away from the Word.  So many Believers discover “new truths” that are really carnal interpretations.  False doctrines and teachings have corrupted the very foundation of the Christian Faith.  We must know the Word before we can present the Word.

 In the first Psalm, we see the progression of sin illustrated.  Man walks with the ungodly, then stands with them, and then sits with other sinners. (1:1)  The Believer does just the opposite; he sits and hears the Word, then stands with others to confirm the Word, and then walks in the proclaimed Truth.  The hardest part is to walk or live what we believe. 

 As little children, many of us sang the song about our little light and how it was to shine until Jesus came.  We lifted our finger into the air and sang that Satan will try to blow it out, but we shouted NO!  Sadly, some Christians hide their light, only to take it out on Sundays to light up their places of worship.  It is wonderful to fellowship, but it does not compare with introducing someone to the fellowship. 

 If Christians are unwilling to walk their talk, rest assured the actions of the New Testament church will not repeat itself in this day and age.  The Church must be progressive; if it isn’t, all that is left is to hide in our walled sepulchers and await the return of Jesus.