Though I notice others in our community who do a lot of walking around town — some of whom it may be their usual mode of transportation — I have continued to be referred to by many as “the walking man” or simply “the walker” among other identifying terms. It is not so much the amount of walking, but the regularity and the manner in which I walk. A number of people have remarked that my energized step and arm swinging movement can be noticed even a block away. My smile is also something of which many continue to comment and they say it makes them happy to see my walking. Therefore, two other references to me have been “the jaunty walker” and “the jolly walker”.
As we consider our walking through life as Christians, there ought to be something distinctive about it. Others are also walking through life, but is there something distinctive about the manner of our walking that is noticeable simply as it is being done? Or have we just blended in with the world around us?
In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul urged those Christians to “no longer walk as the Gentiles do.” (Ephesians 4:17) That walk was marked by a darkened understanding, ignorance of the life of God, hardness of heart, callousness, sensuality, and greed toward impure living. (Ephesians 4:18-19) Such had apparently marked their own lives prior to coming to Christ. Urging away from partnering with the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 5:6-7), Paul went on to note that which was to mark their walk where we read. . .
“(8) for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (9) (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), (10) and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8-10 ESV)
What a distinct difference! Rather than a life lived to please self and the flesh, the Christian walk is to be that of seeking to please the Lord being based on what is truly good, right, and true! Such will stand on its own because light is greater than darkness. And though some may reject that light, it will expose (i.e. Ephesians 5:11) because that is what light naturally does.
Let us always remain mindful of the example of our walk in this world. Let us continually give due consideration to the manner in which we approach and interact with others in our daily walk. By so doing we will be the shining lights in the world (Philippians 2:15) God desires and empowers us to be. May the distinction of our walk be that of a Divine nature as we walk in the Sovereign Will of God!
Have a great day WALKING AS AN ENLIGHTENED CHILD OF GOD!
Carl
