What The Walk Says!

It is sometimes easy to tell how someone is feeling or what their life focus is by the way in which they walk. Someone who walks with a shuffle may be feeling depressed or at least be sad about something. An individual just leisurely strolling along may be in a thoughtful mood. The person who exhibits some spring in their step may be experiencing great joy. Those walking very quickly could leave the impression they are in a hurry to get someplace.

A few days ago -- as I was walking along one of my usual routes -- an individual I have known for a number of years called out to me from across the street, “Still walking like a fool!” Perhaps some would take offence at such a statement, but being acquainted with him I knew he was merely referring to the regularity and fast pace that generally marks my walking. He is fully aware of my COMMITMENT to walking as he frequently waves when seeing me at various places around town. As I considered this man’s remark, I thought of what marked the spiritual life of Paul.

Consider the contrast Paul noted in his first letter to the church at Corinth.
“(8) Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! (9) For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. (10) WE ARE FOOLS FOR CHRIST’S SAKE, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. (11) To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, (12) and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; (13) when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.” (1 Cor. 4:8-13 ESV)

Like the other Apostles, Paul was COMMITTED to living for Christ and fulfilling the mission he had been given. None of the hardships experienced would keep him from remaining faithful. In the view of some he could appear as “a fool”, but Paul’s view seems to have been that for Christ he would let it be so. The manner of Paul’s walk in life left no question regarding to Whom and what he was COMMITTED! His life walk was marked by a combination of boldness and humility. His life walk was marked by unwavering faithfulness to the truth, but patience toward those still learning. Paul walked on joyfully in spite of the challenges he faced in his ministry. How is a sense of COMMITMENT made evident in our walk?

To the church at Ephesus Paul urged…
“(1) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, URGE YOU TO WALK IN A MANNER WORTHY OF THE CALLING to which you have been called, (2) with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, (3) eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” ( Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV)

Is that what marks the manner in which we walk? Is our COMMITMENT to the Lord and His Will made evident by the qualities of humility, gentleness, patience, love, and peace in our life steps? May our life walk be marked by a COMMITMENT to walking in a manner worthy of the Lord, seeking to be fully pleasing to Him ( Colossians 1:10) as we press on in faithfulness to His Word and Will. Some might think us a fool, but if so, let it be because we are one for Christ!

Have a great day EXHIBITING A SPIRITED STEP IN CHRIST!
Carl

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