How To Walk With God

Our Wednesday evening Bible Class where we worship at West Citrus is studying the Heroes of faith from Hebrews 11. Last night we studied about Enoch.

The Bible says “Enoch walked with God” (Gen. 5:22). This reminds me of the story of a mother who asked her 8-year-old son, Jason, what he studied in Bible class that day.

“A man named Enoch,” replied Jason.

“What did you learn about Enoch?” His mom asked.

“He walked with God,” Jason answered. Then he added, “And the teacher said he didn’t ever die.”

“What do you think that means?” his mother probed.

“Well,” Jason thoughtfully responded. “He took a really long walk with God. And he walked a long, long way. Finally at the end of the day, God said, ‘Enoch, you’re closer to my house than yours. Just come home and stay with Me.’ And that’s what he did.”

“Walk” is used in figurative fashion. It means a manner of living. A course of conduct. A path of behavior. It speaks to a relationship with God where we “walk in His commandments” (Deut. 8:6).

Of course, walk can be used in a negative fashion when we “walk in the way of sinners” (Ps. 1:1) or walk “disorderly” (2 Thess. 3:11).

As the class unfolded and the meaning of Enoch’s walk was discussed, I couldn’t help but think of Paul’s admonitions to improve our Christian walk from the book of Ephesians. Note that these 7 “walks” include both positive and negative exhortations.

(1) Walk a Different Walk than the World. (Eph 2:2).

Becoming a Christian requires a new way of walking. Living. Acting. Behaving. It means giving up worldly lusts. Fleshly desires. And sinful cravings. We’ve set our sights on a different course.

(2) Walk in God Ordained Good works (Eph 2:10).

This verse tells us how much God values us. He created us in Christ. He saved us to serve. He called us for good works. God’s work. This walk regulates our life.

(3) Walk in the Unity of the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:1-16).

This is a worthy walk based on our calling. Its attitude is rooted in humility, gentleness and patience. It’s based on the unity of the spirit and the oneness of Christian principles–one God, one Lord, one Holy Spirit, one Faith, one Baptism, one Body, and one Hope.

(4) Walk in Moral Purity (Eph 4:17-32).

Sexual impurity and unbridled lust characterized the heathen world. Their darkened life was founded in futility, fueled by sensual indulgence, and finalized in insensitivity, callousness, and moral degradation.

The Christian walk is a total opposite. It is based upon a knowledge of God, motivated by righteousness and results in holiness, honesty, honor, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

(5) Walk in Divine Love (Eph 5:2).

Love is where our walk begins and ends. Love of God. Love of fellow-man. Love of family. Love of brethren. Love of the lost. Love is the stepping stone of our values and all other virtues. The entirety of the Christian walk is characterized by divine love.

(6) Walk in the Light of Christ (Eph 5:8).

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (Jn 8:12). Jesus is the light. He dispels the world’s darkness. Illuminates our path. Lights the way. And enlightens us on our journey.

(7) Walk in Spiritual Wisdom (Eph 5:15-17).

This walk is described as circumspect. It means to walk carefully. With caution. Exactness. And accuracy. Our walk is not haphazard, chaotic or careless. It is purposeful. Precise. And focused.

Walking with God, therefore, involves a personal connection with Him. It is Divine companionship. It is listening to and obeying His commandments. And it is allowing His character to shape our lives.

Do you want to go home and live with God? Then you must walk with God. Daily. Continually. Faithfully. So, one day you’re closer to His home than yours.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman