Walking with God is one of the finest summaries of the Christian life. This concept goes back at least to Genesis 5:24, where we read of Enoch walking with God. This is not a description of him literally walking beside God, but is instead a metaphorical description of how he took each step in life with God by his side. Every thought, word, and deed was motivated by this constant relationship.
Such perpetual covenantal dwelling with God is a large theme throughout the Old Testament, but it doesn't end there. If anything, this idea has been enhanced in the New Testament as we do not simply walk beside God, but we are actually indwelt by Him. Paul tells us in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is not long I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." This is not something that was unique to Paul, but is a reality that all believers can claim, and which ought to motivate us to a constant pursuit of holiness as we seek to live in a way that represents our indwelling Lord (Colossians 1:10).
I have become overwhelmed of late with just how easy it is to take for granted one's walk with God. How easy it is to forego praying or reading the Word, thinking, "Well, I did that yesterday." How easy it is to place yourself in the midst of temptation, thinking, "Well, I haven't sinned that much lately." That's not how it really works though. Former piety means nothing in the spiritual trials of today. We must constantly fight temptation and flee from sin.
There are two reasons why Christians need to work at their walk. Firstly, it glorifies God. The primary motivation for why Christians should avoid sin is because it dishonors and disappoints God. In fact, He hates it. Our merciful and holy God hated sin so much that He sent His only Son to free us from it. That should never lead to a flippant attitude towards sin, but should impress upon our minds the heinousness of it.
Secondly, we must flee from sin because consistent indulgence leads to seared consciences. It becomes easier and easier to sin, doesn't it? Something that would've caused instant shame in your youth is too often easy and commonplace in adulthood. Things we could never have imagined saying years ago flow from our mouths fluidly now. Things we see on screens no longer shock us. It's a downward spiral. This is a cultural reality, but it's also a personal reality, and one against which we must guard our hearts, minds, and senses.
Maintaining a walk with God is not an easy thing. It takes work and it can be painful as He refines us further and further. Being next to God, the eternal light, will illuminate our defects. The closer we get, the more of our imperfections we will see. With His help, however, we can become more and more like Him.
Walking with God is a lifelong journey. Even Paul Himself declared that He had not "arrived" at perfection (Philippians 3:12). We can never be satisfied with the spiritual progress we have made, for there will always be more to be made. If we fail to grow, we will decline. If we do not move forward, we will slide back. Becoming a Christian is not a one-time confession of faith. It is a commitment to a lifelong walk with God. In fact, this walk will continue even beyond this life, for in Heaven we will walk with God forever, eternally enjoying Him and studying His inexhaustible character.
Such perpetual covenantal dwelling with God is a large theme throughout the Old Testament, but it doesn't end there. If anything, this idea has been enhanced in the New Testament as we do not simply walk beside God, but we are actually indwelt by Him. Paul tells us in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is not long I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." This is not something that was unique to Paul, but is a reality that all believers can claim, and which ought to motivate us to a constant pursuit of holiness as we seek to live in a way that represents our indwelling Lord (Colossians 1:10).
I have become overwhelmed of late with just how easy it is to take for granted one's walk with God. How easy it is to forego praying or reading the Word, thinking, "Well, I did that yesterday." How easy it is to place yourself in the midst of temptation, thinking, "Well, I haven't sinned that much lately." That's not how it really works though. Former piety means nothing in the spiritual trials of today. We must constantly fight temptation and flee from sin.
There are two reasons why Christians need to work at their walk. Firstly, it glorifies God. The primary motivation for why Christians should avoid sin is because it dishonors and disappoints God. In fact, He hates it. Our merciful and holy God hated sin so much that He sent His only Son to free us from it. That should never lead to a flippant attitude towards sin, but should impress upon our minds the heinousness of it.
Secondly, we must flee from sin because consistent indulgence leads to seared consciences. It becomes easier and easier to sin, doesn't it? Something that would've caused instant shame in your youth is too often easy and commonplace in adulthood. Things we could never have imagined saying years ago flow from our mouths fluidly now. Things we see on screens no longer shock us. It's a downward spiral. This is a cultural reality, but it's also a personal reality, and one against which we must guard our hearts, minds, and senses.
Maintaining a walk with God is not an easy thing. It takes work and it can be painful as He refines us further and further. Being next to God, the eternal light, will illuminate our defects. The closer we get, the more of our imperfections we will see. With His help, however, we can become more and more like Him.
Walking with God is a lifelong journey. Even Paul Himself declared that He had not "arrived" at perfection (Philippians 3:12). We can never be satisfied with the spiritual progress we have made, for there will always be more to be made. If we fail to grow, we will decline. If we do not move forward, we will slide back. Becoming a Christian is not a one-time confession of faith. It is a commitment to a lifelong walk with God. In fact, this walk will continue even beyond this life, for in Heaven we will walk with God forever, eternally enjoying Him and studying His inexhaustible character.
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