The Way of my Walk

I have fond memories of my granddad’s walk…

It was always a sauntering, rambling movement, with one hand sort of swinging for balance…the other hand often had something in it…one of his tools, or something he found along the way, or even that .22 rifle hanging in the crook of his arm.

Then, my uncle in Kentucky with his fast pace that made me wonder how anyone ever kept up with him as he walked with purpose through the pasture, or to the barn.

When I walk with my wife, her pace leaves me behind. She explains that a boss in Alaska walked extra fast and she sort of got used to the faster pace… She works hard to slow down for my ambling ways through the shopping centers we occasionally go to…

It seems like everyone I know
has their own style of walk
that is influenced
by who knows what, or who!

I was thinking about these patterns of walking when I read my second chapter of Proverbs. I looked behind, and ahead, and realize that Solomon had some worthy thoughts about our walk. He describes the concept of walking as a result of what we have poured into ourselves with the getting of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. When we learn from God, then the set of our walk should reflect that internal idea, or identity.

It’s not only the steps we take, but the paths we choose that are important (Proverbs 2:7, 2:13, 2:20). Uprightly. In goodness. Staying on the paths of righteousness. In fact, our steps should keep us from even the very appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

We are a reflection of what, and who, we have chosen to follow. When God made us in his image (Genesis 1:27), he instilled within our DNA the desire to follow him, serve him, and to get to know him. We follow him, and as we learn more of him we walk the way he walks. Jesus said we are to follow him, all the while carrying our cross, our personal load and ministry (Matthew 10:38).

I was thinking ahead in scripture of the Apostle Paul and how he thought he was following God, until that Damascus road experience introduced him to the very one he was upset about. Jesus. His walk changed! This is an encouraging thought. Our walk does not have to stay the same! We can change!

Paul lays down some guidelines for walking that should be our framework of living.

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV)

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16 AMP)

Think about it! (Selah)

The way you walk is an example of the believer, and to everyone who follows in your path. From the children you raise, to those casual observers, and to that stranger that makes your acquaintance.  Your greatest example to follow is often another person who is following Jesus. You become an imitator of their walk… Just make sure that they are following properly, because you will lead others with your footsteps… And you have a great example to follow…

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:21-25 ESV)