Out For A Walk

Here in the South the weather has taken a glorious turn over the last month. The leaves are turning, the humidity is in a reasonable range, and the temperatures hover in the 70’s. In other words, perfect conditions for walking! Walking is a great way to get some sun, some exercise, and to catch up with friends. 

The writers of the New Testament often used the word “walk” to refer to ethical conduct. It clearly refers to an action, not just a state of being. For example, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul instructs them to: 

“be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV

To walk a certain way is to act a certain way. It is to direct yourself along a certain path, in this case, the path of love. Love is not passive. It is not a state of being. It is all action and it applies to our conversations, to our goals, and to the way we treat one another. Therefore, love is much more than mere words; it always proves itself with evidence. According to Ephesians 5, we are called to walk in love as representatives of God in the world. In other words, the way we act and speak and order our lives should remind people of God. 

“What are we sent into the world for? Is it not that we may keep men in mind of God, whom they are most anxious to forget? If we are imitators of God, as dear children, they will be compelled to recollect that there is a God, for they will see his character reflected in ours. I have heard of an atheist who said he could get over every argument except the example of his godly mother: he could never answer that.” 

Charles Spurgeon

We have the opportunity to live in a way that points others, including our children, to God. We can live in a way that reminds them of God. This means our words matter. It means the way we live matters. It means the goals we set for ourselves matter. It means our demeanor matters. It means we cannot be content to passively contemplate and adore God, although we should spend time doing both. We must also be compelled to imitate His character and thereby represent Him well in our daily living. 

How? We have the example of Jesus, who loved so well that He didn’t guard His own life, but was willing to suffer and die for us. And we have instructions from Paul on how to live and love, and what not to do. As parents, this concept should be top of mind, all the time, since we don’t even have to “go out” in the world to encounter our primary audience! We won’t get this perfectly right, but we can rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and “walk in love” in our homes.