In past issues, Theology 101 has used biblical imagery as windows into biblical truths. This week we begin looking at imagery that offers insights into the Christian life. We might think of these as common images of an uncommon life.
The Bible often speaks of the life of believers in terms of walking; hence we often speak of the life of Christians as the Christian walk.
Romans 6:4 tells us we “should walk in newness of life.” Galatians 5:16 admonishes us to “walk in the Spirit.” Ephesians speaks repeatedly about walking as Christians in such terms as walking worthily (Eph. 4:1), walking differently from unconverted outsiders (Eph. 4:17), walking in love as Christ has loved us (Eph. 5:1) and walking circumspectly or carefully. First Thessalonians 4:1 speaks summarily about walking so as “to please God.”
Advancement
The thought of walking suggests progress or advancement — unless the walk is on a treadmill, but even that can help our physical health. In any case, a person who is walking is not stationary.
In living the Christian life, one is not stationary but is either advancing or regressing. The life of a Christian ought to be anything but stagnant.
The image of a walk suggests forward movement that has the character of taking one step at a time. Walking is not descriptive of standing still or of regression. At its core, walking is composed of incremental steps taken one at a time. Likewise, Christian growth is usually incremental, happening over time as the disciplines of the Christian life are practiced with continuity rather than in fits and spurts.
The nature of walking often suggests a goal, perhaps getting to a predetermined or desired destination. The goal may be exercise for the sake of physical health, which is worthy in itself.
In short, walking usually involves purposefulness. It is movement toward a goal.
A major aspect of this goal in the Christian life is to be more like Christ, which includes seeking to know and do God’s will. Christ expressed it by using a quotation from the Old Testament: “Behold, I have come … to do your will, O God” (Heb. 10:7).
Our goal is not only to be like a Person, but also to be in a place — the Father’s house. Our ultimate goal is heaven. Toward that destiny, we are walking each day.
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