“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” – Ephesians 5:15
Walking is a very good exercise. It strengthens the heart, the lungs, and the muscles. It gets us outside where we receive sunlight which enables our bodies to produce vitamin D, which gives strength to our bones. When incorporated into a healthy lifestyle, walking can be a very beneficial activity, but it must be done sensibly. You wouldn’t want to go for a stroll in the center of a busy highway, carelessly amble across a narrow precipice, or saunter through a dangerous environment filled with hidden snares. But done wisely, walking is a wonderful activity!
Just as we exercise our physical bodies, we must do the same for our faith. We can reap great benefits in our spiritual lives when we walk with the Lord. Deuteronomy 30:16 explains, “In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.” The Bible tells us to walk circumspectly, which means to walk with discretion, being watchful, prudent, and cautious. The question the becomes, “How do we walk circumspectly?”
First, we must know where we are going. How do we determine that? We use our guidebook, the Bible. God has a plan for each of our lives, and that plan has an expected destination. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” As we walk, we keep our focus on the Lord and our lives on the godly path, which means living the life God would have us live as dictated by His Word. It is not always easy, but it is good, right, and best for us. “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:14)
Second, we must beware of pitfalls along the way. Sometimes, it is wise to have a guide leading the way. In our Christian walk, we always have someone ready to escort us safely through life. That guide is Jesus Christ. “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3) It is easy to be distracted by things all around us. The allure of the world is always trying to pull us off the straight and narrow path of our Christian lives. By following in the footsteps of Jesus, we will stay on the right path. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Thirdly, we are told in Ephesians 5:16 that we must “redeem the time.” This means we must make good use of the time God has given us. We are here for a purpose; God has a divine plan for each one of us. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21) We are here to learn to know God better, to love Him more deeply, and to serve Him with all of our hearts. These are the reasons for which we must wisely use our time here on earth, and we must not squander the time given us. The Bible states, “But this I say, brethren, the time is short…” (1 Corinthians 7:29) Jesus will return soon, and then our work for Him will be finished. Until then, there is much still to do!
Lastly, our walk must be upright. Our lives must reflect Christ to the world, shining brightly as a testimonial to our God. “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11) We are surrounded by a lost and dying world that seemingly is spiraling deeper and deeper into sin and depravity. Ephesians 5:16 ends with a reminder verifying that “…the days are evil.” We must bring the light of the world, the gospel of Jesus Christ, to those around us, for in Him is their only hope!
So, are you ready to take a walk today for the Lord? Let’s do it!
I am weak, but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
(from “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” – author unknown)
“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…” Jeremiah 6:16
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Remember, every journey begins with one step. Why not take that first step for God today?