The Christian life is portrayed in the New Testament in a variety of ways. The writers of the New Testament use word pictures to help us understand. They use things that we are familiar with. They take common, everyday actions and give them spiritual application.
One way the life of a Christian is portrayed in the New Testament is that of a “walk.” That is something that all of are able to do unless hindered by health reasons. Eph. 5:2 reads as follows: “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (ESV) We also read in verse 8, “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” We have been called out of a “kingdom of darkness,” into the “kingdom of the Son of His love.” (Col. 1:12-14) The Lord expects us to live for Him. The ‘walk” of the believer should be a one of progress.
We know that the way we walk physically and the pace of our walk is different with each person. This can be illustrated in the “marathon concept.” Here in Louisville, KY we have what is called the “Mini-Marathon.” Many are entered, and while only one person wins the race, all who finish receive some recognition. Some are fast runners, slow runners, fast and slow walkers. Some are on crutches, some in wheel chairs, but their goal is to finish the race.
So it is with the believer. We are “in Christ”, we are admonished to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus” (2 Peter 3:18). Jesus has a right to expect continual growth in His children. But He realizes that as we all grow at different stages in the physical realm, so it is also in the spiritual realm. “walking” denotes progress. If we desire to “learn of Him,” and grow as Christians he will equip us for the journey. We must have our eyes upon Jesus at all time (Heb. 12:1-2). He gives us His Word to study, meditate upon and apply to our lives.
We must be found “walking in the Truth.” This phrase is used numerous times in the New Testament. Jesus is the great example of One walking in Truth. In John’s 2 short epistles, 2nd & 3rd John both recipients, “the elect lady” in 2nd John 4 and Gaius in 3rd John4 are commended for walking “in the truth. John also is thankful that others are walking in the truth also.
We want to be pleasing to our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus in eve3ry possible way. Since we have been called out of darkness into the marvelous light of the Gospel, we have an obligation, yea, privilege to help others find their way to Christ also. “Walking in Truth” will help us cultivate the type of life we need to continue to grow in the Lord.
We must be found following the teachings found in the New Testament that show us how to live for Him who died for us!
- Larry Miles lives in Louisville, KY and publishes "Larry's Lines" several times a week. Copyright 2009. Visit his website: http://larryslines.com/
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