The Bible frequently imagines faithful living as a walk. Genesis 5:24 says of Enoch, “Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” Noah walked with God and God commanded Abram, “Walk before me, and be blameless (Genesis 6:9; 17:1). Moses uses the metaphor repeatedly in the book of Deuteronomy. It also appears in the books of 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, and is a favorite in the so-called wisdom literature: Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The prophets use it as well.
The New Testament authors, steeped in the Old Testament, carry this metaphor over into their writings. Luke describes Zechariah and Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s parents: “And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord” (Luke 1:6). He also uses the metaphor to summarize the activity of the infant church, “And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied” (Acts 9:31).
Paul employs the metaphor throughout his letters, both in picturing the beginning of the Christian life (Romans 6:4) and in maintaining that life (Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 2:6). What does it mean that the Christian life is a walk?
Christians have a planned destination. “…rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20
Christians will face obstacles. “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10
Christians must learn endurance. “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” Hebrews 10:36
Christians cannot become complacent or stagnant. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
Christians have a Guide 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.” 1 Peter 2:21
Christians have chosen the good path. “Enter by the narrow gate… For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13–14
Clay Leonard
