I am going to announce this out loud - I don't like to WALK! I know, most of you are gasping right now. Walking is so beneficial for health, walking gives you time and space to breathe, walking is refreshing. For me, walking is boring; it makes me crazy with thoughts racing through my head at 100 miles per hour; I begin the walk by looking forward to when it's finished! It's just not my thing. There, I've said it and I feel better. So why did I title this post the way I did?
Last night in our church, our pastor challenged each of us with this question - What evidence indicates that I am striving to walk in Christ? The passages were from 2 John 1:1-9 and it is a letter from Paul to a church that was being attacked by false prophets and deceivers. Paul encouraged these members to continue to walk in Christ, follow His commandments and remain in His teachings.
2 John 1:4 (NIV) says this:
"It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us.
When looking up the root word for "walking" in this verse (and in the surrounding passages), the original Greek word is peripateō and it means:
"tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability);
figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary):—
go, be occupied with, walk (about)."
It made me wonder about my walk with God. Am I living in Him? Do I deport myself in such a way that He would be proud? Am I occupied with my Creator to the point that others know, without a doubt, that I am a child of God?
It's easy when we are surrounded by those of like minds, isn't it? When we are at church, or in a bible study, or at a fellowship with other Christians, we gain strength and encouragement from them. We can boldly show our love of God and our love for our fellow humans. We can walk boldly and confidently in Christ, knowing that He is all we need.
But how do we live in the remainder of our lives? Do I walk with Christ in all situations? Or do I sometimes walk like a secret agent? Do I hide in the shadows in certain situations? Am I afraid of proclaiming my relationship with God on social media? Do I know who I "work" for but I keep it quiet around certain individuals? For me, the answer is Yes - in certain circumstances I do keep my faith hidden. I realize that around certain clients and acquaintances, I temper my "walk." I tone it down so I don't offend anyone. I use my "business" demeanor to show professionalism and confidence. And while I don't think this behavior is inherently wrong, I think it can be a slippery slope. The more we do hide our truth, the easier is becomes to do so. The more we hide our nature, the more our nature changes.
I also think about what this "toning down" or "worldly behavior" does to God. We know that He feels emotion! He loves, He shows compassion and grace - so I know He hurts. He hurts when we hurt. He hurts when we walk in sin. I don't want to hurt God by my behaviors, by my actions, or even by my non-actions.
My wish today is that my entire life is evidence of my walk with God; that in every situation, around every individual, they see that I am striving to live under His authority, not under the world's authority. I'm going to stumble in this, possibly every day. But I serve a God who shows grace, mercy and love to His children. And I will continue to strive to walk with Him.
I would love to hear from you. Do you too struggle with this? What bible verses have helped you in this journey? What are some ways that you have been able to "walk" in Christ in all aspects of your life? And yes, you can also feel free to help change my mind about my walking. Good Luck!
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