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 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 way 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 walking patterns when I read my second chapter of Proverbs. I looked behind and ahead and realized Solomon had some worthy thoughts about our walk. He describes walking as a result of what we have poured into ourselves with the getting of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. 

When we learn from God, 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. 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 in our DNA the desire to follow, serve, and get to know him. We follow him, and as we learn more about him, we walk the way he walks. Jesus said we are to follow him while carrying our cross, our personal load, and our 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 that stranger who makes your acquaintance.  

Your greatest example to follow is often another person who is following Jesus. You become an imitator of their walk… Just ensure they follow properly because you will lead others in 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)

I Want To Walk Like Jesus

There is a presence of Spirit that we want to be like others. I know someone who mimics Indiana Jones. Hat. Coat. And if he could pull off a whip on his side, he would be carrying a whip and be good at it.

Some choose a famous person, others choose who they admire, and still, others are constantly looking. A few become their ownselves, an image that maybe others will follow.

Me? I want to walk like Jesus.

There’s something to be said that Jesus always looked out for the downtrodden, hurting, and those of sad circumstances. Maybe it’s my natural bent, but it could be I’ve simply patterened my gait to be different because of Him.

When I think this thought, I remember a song that truly impacted me as a kid. I still sing it today, nearly 70 years later.

To be like Jesus, To be Like Jesus,
On earth I long, to be like Him.
All through life’s journey, from earth to glory,
I only ask to be like Him.

Here’s a disclaimer. Any mistakes are mine, and I own them. Do not hold your perception of Jesus and my imitation against Him. All failures are my own doing.